Unit information: Exploring Qualitative Methods in 2014/15

Unit name	Exploring Qualitative Methods
Unit code	EDUCM5503
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Professor. Deem
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Education
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

The unit considers the nature of the research process used by and the distinctive characteristics, potential and problems of qualitative research methods, with special reference to the field of education. Participants are introduced to relevant methodological literature and particular attention is paid to different kinds of data collection techniques for textual, oral, aural and visual data (eg interviews/focus groups, narrative, observation, documents, images, internet etc) together with an analysis of each technique's uses, strengths and weaknesses.

Aims:

• to provide a critical understanding of the appropriate uses, strengths and weaknesses of qualitative data generation techniques such that students can apply this to their own project and dissertation work.

• to develop basic skills in the use of qualitative research techniques.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Students will acquire a critical understanding of and be able to apply to their own work, the appropriate uses, strengths and weaknesses of qualitative data.

• Students will be able to demonstrate basic skills in the use of at least one qualitative research technique.

Teaching Information

Workshops, seminars

The needs of a wide range of students, including those with disabilities, international students and those from ethnic minority backgrounds have been considered. It is not anticipated that the teaching and assessment methods used will cause disadvantage to any person taking the unit. The Graduate School of Education is happy to address individual support requests as necessary.

Assessment Information

2000 word report on the exploratory use of a qualitative technique and its strengths/weaknesses in relation to qualitative techniques in general.

Reading and References

Bogdan, R. C. and S. K. Biklen (2003). Qualitative research for education: an introduction to theory and methods (4th edition). Boston, London Allyn and Bacon.

Clough, P. (2002). Narratives and Fictions in Educational Research. Buckingham, Open University Press

Freebody, P. (2003). Qualitative research in education: interaction and practice. London, Sage.

Mason, J. (2002). Qualitative Researching. London & Thousand Oaks, California, Sage.

Ritchie, J. and J. Lewis (2003). Qualitative Research Practice. London, Sage.

Walford, G., Ed. (1998). Doing Research About Education. London, Falmer.