Overview

Reflexivity and reflection in social research Situated knowledge and feminist research practice Observation and participant observation Ethnomethodological methods Conversation analysis Data collection through unstructured interviews and focus groups Biographical narrative interviews Analysing interviews and observations to produce ethnographic accounts Grounded theory Research methods for the online world Analysing textual and visual data The meaning of mixed methods

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -50-59% A satisfactory grasp of how to formulate research problems and questions, free of major errors in understanding the relationship between epistemology, theory generation and empirical research methods. Competence in using key features of NVivo and applying them to the analysis of existing qualitative data.

-good -60-69% A good understanding of the connection between research problems and questions based on an accurate appreciation of the significance of alternative epistemological positions for research design and strategy. A sound knowledge of methods of simple qualitative analysis combined with skilful use of NVivo to explore data on a social issue.

-excellent -70%+ A developed and critical understanding of the philosophy of social research which supports a detailed appreciation of the relationship between epistemology, theory generation and empirical research methods. Strong evidence of practical skill in using NVivo to analyse and interpret complex qualitative data.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate the capacity to manage the research process, including managing qualitative data, and conducting and presenting research in a way that is consistent with professional practice and research ethics.

• Display critical understanding of the significance of epistemological positions that provide the context for theory construction, research design, and the selection of appropriate analytical techniques in qualitative research.

• Manifest the ability to apply the essential principles of research design and strategy, based on a clear grasp of how to formulate researchable problems and critical discernment of alternative approaches to social research.

• Show competence in recognising, evaluating and applying a range of qualitative data sources and tools of analysis.