Research Design and Practice (Qualitative Methods)
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| SOCI2039 | Sociology and Social Policy | 2 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- SOCI2039
- School
- Sociology and Social Policy
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module introduces the principles of research design, practice and ethics in relation to qualitative research. The module has the dual aims of equipping students with both conceptual understandings of current academic debates regarding different qualitative methods, and the skills to put those methods into practice. By the end of the module, students will be able to appreciate the breadth of qualitative approaches available as well as the methodological challenges and ethical dilemmas associated with using them to generate qualitative data. Students will also be able to articulate why they might select a particular method with reference to the research aims and the theoretical perspective underpinning a social science study.
Target Students
Available only to Level 2 students on programmes in the School of Sociology and Social Policy.Not available to Exchange students.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework: 2,000 words.
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
Students who successfully complete this module will be able to: • Identify the key principles and characteristics of qualitative research. • Explain the core principles of research design and appreciate the practical and ethical challenges that may arise as a result of it. • Evaluate the nature, merits and challenges of different qualitative methods and methodologies. • Construct qualitative research questions and develop qualitative research proposals.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Students who successfully complete this module will be able to:
- Understand the interconnections between ethical, political and methodological issues in the social sciences.
- Explain a range of research strategies and methods employed in qualitative social research.
- Evaluate in a reflexive manner the value and limitations of different qualitative research strategies and techniques.
- Recognise the practical problems and dilemmas faced by social researchers.
Intellectual Skills
Students who successfully complete this module will be able to:
- Articulate the key principles of qualitative research design.
- Formulate research questions and operationalise key concepts.
- Generate, analyse and present empirical information.
Professional/Practical Skills
Students who successfully complete this module will be able to:
- Formulate appropriate questions and conduct social research.
- Conduct a brief literature review and identify gaps in knowledge.
- Understand of basic qualitative coding methods.
Transferable Skills
Students should be able to demonstrate the ability to:
- Employ basic IT skills.
- Design qualitative social research in a theoretically and methodologically informed way.
- Organise and manage supervised but self-directed projects, producing work precisely in accordance with a given brief.
- Reflect upon their own learning and experience and assess their acquired skills.