Newcastle University

Aims

The aim of this module is to provide all students with a basic grounding in qualitative research methods, so that they are able to undertake their own first piece of qualitative research.

An introduction to qualitative methods will provide students with a basic grounding in qualitative research. Combining lectures, practical sessions and self-directed learning this module will provide the first time qualitative researcher with a sound grounding in the principles, design, enactment and analysis of qualitative research. On completion of the module students will have had experience of conducting their own interviews or focus groups, as well as undertaking descriptive analysis of qualitative data. This module will equip all students with the necessary knowledge and skills to plan, conduct and analyse their first piece of interview or focus group research.

Outline Of Syllabus

The introduction to qualitative methods will cover the following topics:
•       An introduction to qualitative research, its approaches and epistemology
•       Design, validity and reliability in qualitative research
•       Introduction to interviews and focus groups
•       Ethical considerations in qualitative research
•       Introduction to qualitative analysis

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This module aims to provide students with the confidence and skills to undertake their own piece of qualitative research and descriptive qualitative analysis.

In order to ensure that all students are at a similar level of comprehension students will be asked to read and prepare prior to the face to face lectures and practical sessions.

The face to face teaching is designed to introduce qualitative research, describe the design and enactment for interview and focus group research There will be a mixture of lectures and seminars/practical sessions during which students will be encouraged to interact with one another and discuss/practice the use of qualitative research methods . There is a focus on practical sessions which are the most effective way to impart the skills required for qualitative research.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

This assessment will enable us to assess students’ ability to apply their skills and knowledge in planning and designing a qualitative interview or focus group study. Students will be expected to refer to any potential ethical challenges as well as describe how they intend to analyse their data.