Module Catalogue 2024/25

MCR8033 : Qualitative Research (E-Learning)

MCR8033 : Qualitative Research (E-Learning)

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Alison Clapp
  • Lecturer: Dr Devashish Ray
  • Owning School: Pharmacy
  • Teaching Location: Off Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

1. To introduce students to the concept of qualitative research and the situations in which it is useful
2. To discuss different methods of sampling in qualitative research
3. To provide strategies and experience of interviewing techniques and considerations
4. To provide students with experience of thematic data analysis in qualitative research
5. To provide a critical platform to judge the ethics of qualitative research
6. To provide knowledge of ethnography, phenomenology and grounded theory methodologies
7. To provide knowledge of alternative methods of data collection and analysis in qualitative research

Outline Of Syllabus

1. What is qualitative research and what are the situations in which it is useful? Social versus scientific research; research questions; epistemology and ontology; data and methods; quality and rigour.
2. Sampling in qualitative research: access; representation; generalizability; sampling approaches
3. Interviewing techniques and considerations: interviews and focus groups; interview schedules; conduct during interviews; sensitive topics; researcher safety
4. Thematic analysis: steps in analysis, coding: key steps; memos; assumptions; paper-based analysis and computer-assisted analysis
5. Ethics: codes of practice; researcher responsibilities; permissions; harms and benefits; gatekeepers
6. Ethnography: access, the role of the ethnographer, making field notes, writing the report
7. Phenomenology: making sense of lived experiences; interpretive phenomenological analysis
8. Grounded theory analysis: theoretical sampling, coding, theoretical saturation, constant comparison; categories, processes and outcomes
9. Language-based approaches to qualitative data analysis: discourse analysis, conversation analysis; narrative analysis
10. Other methods in data gathering and analysis: using documents; enhancing interviews: video and photo-elicitation

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Design research studies using qualitative methods with appropriate research questions
2. Carry out appropriate sampling and data analysis in qualitative research studies
3. Explain the ethical considerations required for qualitative research studies
4. Critique the use of interviews and focus groups in different situations
5. Explain how observational methods can be used in qualitative research
6. Evaluate the use of phenomenological studies in qualitative research design
7. Explain how other methods than thematic analysis can be used in qualitative research

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Synthesize a question schedule for interviews

2. Carry out participant interviews with confidence and sensitivity

3. Analyse qualitative data using both computer-assisted methods and paper-based methods

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion232:3065:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading107:0070:00Online content
Guided Independent StudySkills practice15:005:00Software use
Guided Independent StudyStudent-led group activity51:005:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study103:0030:00Supplemental reading
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesScheduled on-line contact time51:005:00Synchronous webinar
Guided Independent StudyOnline Discussion102:0020:00N/A
Total200:00
Jointly Taught With
Code Title
MCR8034Introduction to Qualitative Research (E-learning)
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module will be delivered by e-learning via Canvas VLE. The curriculum will be delivered through a series of guided learning opportunities including e-based lectures and discussion boards. Students will be asked to prepare paperwork for formative and summative assessment and will submit their work for assessment via Canvas VLE. The formative work will include collaborative activity which will feed-forward onto the summative work. The work for summative assessment will use the knowledge acquired, their individual feedback, notes and other sources. After submission, feedback will be given to the students electronically. The course material will provide students with knowledge on the research methods, skills and ethical dilemmas using qualitative methodologies. The assessments will enable students to apply this knowledge in a practical manner.
Critical appraisal, data interpretation and other scientific communication skills will be practised in on-line individual activities. Collaborative discussion board interaction will encourage the students to reflect on their learning. All these activities relate directly to the learning outcomes above.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Oral Examination1M50Submission of recorded presentation no more than 15 minutes long (Max 15 slides)
Essay1M50Essay (Max 1500 words)
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Written exercise1M1 page plan: Formative and collaborative work submitted prior to assessment week will feed forward to presentation
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The formative assessment will feed forward to the presentation and help develop student skills planning and carrying out the basic techniques of qualitative research (interviewing and thematic analysis)

The presentation develops skills in presenting to an audience as well as developing reflective and critical thinking abilities. It also tests ability to discuss the subject critically as well as application of knowledge and understanding in its’ requirement for reflection on actions.


The written exercise (essay) develops critical thinking skills as well as further knowledge and understanding in the application of the course content.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.