Modiwl SXU-4005:
Research Process and Meaning

Ffeithiau’r Modiwl

Rhedir gan School of History, Law and Social Sciences

20.000 Credyd neu 10.000 Credyd ECTS

Semester 2

Trefnydd: Dr Robin Mann

Amcanion cyffredinol

The aim of the module is to provide postgraduate level training in the main varieties of qualitative and mixed methods research in the social sciences, including basic literacy in qualitative data analysis. The module begins by locating the research process in debates about situated knowledge, reflexivity and subjectivity, to show how research design is unavoidably grounded in assumptions about the nature of the phenomena to be investigated. An appreciation of how researchers are implicated in the things they describe will enable students to evaluate research and make informed choices about the selection of an appropriate research methodology for their own research.

The module is then organized in terms of (a) principles of qualitative research design (b) practices of data collection and (c) data analysis. Topics covered include: sources of data using observation, participation, interviews, texts and visuals; the varieties of research strategy in ethnomethodology and conversation analysis; the relationships between empirical research and theory generation; and methods for research in online environments. Students are taught how to generate qualitative data, apply a variety of analysis techniques and how to ensure that their accounts are adequate from the point of view of the subjects being investigated. The use of ‘mixed’ methods is addressed through examples of text analysis, visual interpretation and online social research.

Training in the use of NVivo qualitative data analysis software is an integral part of the module and takes place alongside the sessions dealing with analysing conversation, interviews, observations, ethnographic accounts, texts and visuals.

Cynnwys cwrs

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

Meini Prawf

trothwy

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.

da

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.

ardderchog

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.

Canlyniad dysgu

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

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

Dulliau asesu

Math Enw Disgrifiad Pwysau
Journal article review 20.00
Observation study 40.00
NVIVO Data analysis report 40.00

Strategaeth addysgu a dysgu

Oriau
Lecture

Lecture/workshop sessions of 2hours over 11 weeks

 22
Practical classes and workshops

Computer lab-based training in NVivo software, for 2 hours p.w. for 5 weeks

 10
Private study

Private study, including directed reading in research design and methods, reviewing lecture content , practice with software, and preparations for assignments.

 168

Sgiliau Trosglwyddadwy

  • Llythrennedd - Medrusrwydd mewn darllen ac ysgrifennu drwy amrywiaeth o gyfryngau
  • Defnyddio cyfrifiaduron - Medrusrwydd wrth ddefnyddio ystod o feddalwedd cyfrifiadurol
  • Hunanreolaeth - Gallu gweithio mewn ffordd effeithlon, prydlon a threfnus. Gallu edrych ar ganlyniadau tasgau a digwyddiadau, a barnu lefelau o ansawdd a phwysigrwydd
  • Archwilio - Gallu ymchwilio ac ystyried dewisiadau eraill
  • Adalw gwybodaeth - Gallu mynd at wahanol ac amrywiol ffynonellau gwybodaeth
  • Sgiliau Rhyngbersonol - Gallu gofyn cwestiynau, gwrando'n astud ar atebion a'u harchwilio
  • Dadansoddi Beirniadol & Datrys Problem - Gallu dadelfennu a dadansoddi problemau neu sefyllfaoedd cymhleth. Gallu canfod atebion i broblemau drwy ddadansoddiadau ac archwilio posibiliadau
  • Cyflwyniad - Gallu cyflwyno gwybodaeth ac esboniadau yn glir i gynulleidfa. Trwy gyfryngau ysgrifenedig neu ar lafar yn glir a hyderus.
  • Gwaith Tîm - Gallu cydweithio'n adeiladol ag eraill ar dasg gyffredin, ac/neu fod yn rhan o dîm gweithio o ddydd i ddydd
  • Dadl - Gallu cyflwyno, trafod a chyfiawnhau barn neu lwybr gweithredu, naill ai gydag unigolyn neu mewn grwˆp ehangach
  • Hunanymwybyddiaeth & Ystyried - Bod yn ymwybodol o'ch cryfderau, gwendidau, nodau ac amcanion eich hun. Gallu adolygu ,cloriannu a myfyrio'n rheolaidd ar eich perfformiad eich hun ac eraill.

Sgiliau pwnc penodol

  • the ability to formulate and investigate sociologically informed questions
  • the capacity to analyse, assess and communicate empirical sociological information
  • the ability to identify a range of qualitative and quantitative research strategies and methods
  • Appreciate the value of and apply theoretical and methodological rigour to analyses of welfare issues;
  • Develop a knowledge and expertise with respect to a range of evidence-based policy making and practice.
  • seek out, use and evaluate qualitative and quantitative data derived from social surveys and other research publications
  • Understand the relationship between theory, research design, and the selection of research methods and be able to identify and critically evaluate the epistemological positions upon which they are predicated.
  • Understand the basic principles of research design and strategy (including how to formulate researchable questions and the considerations affecting inference and proof, reliability and validity in different styles of research), sufficient to enable them to make appropriate choices in their own research.
  • Appreciate and apply a broad range of research methods and tools (underpinned by a strong conceptual awareness of the research processes and their underlying philosophies).
  • Appreciate philosophical, ethical and methodological issues in criminological and sociological research.

Adnoddau

Goblygiadau o ran adnoddau ar gyfer myfyrwyr

No additional resource implications.

Rhestr ddarllen

There is no single textbook for this module. A reading list is provided that encompasses key texts and journal readings for each specific topic or aspect of the research process.

A suitable stock of texts and journals is accessible through the library.

Rhagofynion a Chydofynion

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