Overview

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.

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 -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.

-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 performanceMost 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'sobjectives.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.

Learning Outcomes

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

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

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

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