Run by Bangor Business School

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Prof Yener Altunbas

The aim of the module is to provide training in the main varieties of qualitative and mixed methods research in the social sciences. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of qualitative methods and develop skills in the implementation of a variety of such methods. A key area of the module is developing and understanding of the links between a methodological position and correct methods to adopt. Students as a result will develop an ability through the module to critique and defend one's own methodological position and choice of methods to apply.

The module content will focus on the types of approaches and methods that are associated with qualitative methods such as various forms of observation, feminist methods and ethnomethodological methods. The corresponding data collection and analysis methods will also be covered and these include the use of different types of interviewing techniques and analysis methods such as conversation analysis and textual analysis. Students will also be introduced to issues of online data collection.

good

Average Standard (60-64%): Much of the relevant information and skills mostly accurately deployed. Adequate grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Fair integration of theory/practice/information in the pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Some evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

High Standard (65-69%): Very good performance Most of the relevant information accurately deployed. Good grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills

excellent

Excellent standard (70%+): An outstanding performance, exceptionally able. The relevant information accurately deployed. Excellent grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practice elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Strong evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

threshold

Satisfactory standard (50-59%): No major omissions or inaccuracies in the deployment of information/skills. Some grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Integration of theory/practice/information present intermittently in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives.

1. Understand the methodological foundations on which various advanced qualitative methods are defended.

2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the principles, applications and implications of qualitative research methods (encompassing all stages of the research process).

3. Demonstrate an understanding of qualitative analysis results in journal articles and other academic sources.

4. Acquire a working knowledge of analysis support tools such as NVivo.

Type	Name	Description	Weight
	Qualitative data analysis report		50.00
	Critical essay on qualitative approaches		50.00

		Hours
Laboratory	8 hours (4 sessions of two-hours) of lab work learning NVivo.	8
Private study	Reading time, preparing and taking assessments.	166
Study group	Students will take part in the multidisciplinary qualitative journal reading group.	6
Lecture	Lectures 2 hours per week.	20

• Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
• Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
• Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
• Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
• Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
• Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
• Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting

• Problem solving and critical analysis: analysing facts and circumstances to determine the cause of a problem and identifying and selecting appropriate solutions.
• Research: the ability to analyse and evaluate a range of business data, sources of information and appropriate methodologies, which includes the need for strong digital literacy, and to use that research for evidence-based decision-making.
• Articulating and effectively explaining information.
• Communication and listening including the ability to produce clear, structured business communications in a variety of media.
• Conceptual and critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation.

Compulsory in courses:

• N1BP: MSc Research Methodology year 1 (MSC/RM)