This course introduces the range of epistemological and practical issues underpinning the successful and rigorous use of qualitative methods. This course will explore the theoretical and practical aspects of different qualitative approaches in terms of data collection methods and process of analysis. It reviews the emerging field of internet mediated research and highlights opportunities for conducting secondary qualitative research.

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Assessments

Coursework research report, 2000 words (100%)

This course aims to prepare students to design, source, select, execute and evaluate a range of qualitative methods suited to different aspects of psychological enquiry.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Identify and select data collection techniques and data sources that best suit the purpose of qualitative enquiry

Formulate appropriate research questions suited to promoting qualitative enquiry

Explain the different epistemological principles underpinning different qualitative analysis techniques

Develop analytic skills for commonly used qualitative methods such as Thematic Analysis, IPA, Grounded Theory and Discursive Approaches.

Develop a critical understanding of indices of rigour and quality when designing and planning qualitative research and identify these indices in published research

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.