Module overview
Understanding qualitative research methods and knowing how to interpret findings and conclusions from qualitative research is fundamental to being able to critique an evidence base. This module teaches you the underpinnings of qualitative research methods and how to apply these to research design. Key methods of data collection are explored, alongside prominent analytical techniques used when conducting qualitative research. You will develop the skills needed to critically appraise research when considering the results reported by others.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Discuss the ethical considerations that relate to different types of qualitative data collection methods.
- Orally present research ideas.
- Manage and analyse qualitative data.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Design effective qualitative studies and be able to understand and interpret interview talk.
- Critically appraise qualitative studies.
- Design an effective qualitative proposal.
- Present research findings appropriately.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- When and how to use a variety of qualitative approaches to data collection, with an in-depth understanding of interviews and focus groups.
- The philosophical foundations of qualitative research and how methodological considerations influence the research process.
- When and how to use a variety of qualitative approaches to data analysis with a focus on thematic analysis.
- Practical skills in conducting interview and focus group research, and in the utilisation of thematic analysis.
- How to appraise, review and report qualitative research.
Syllabus
- Introduction and approaches to qualitative methods
- Data collection decisions in qualitative research
- Data collection methods in qualitative research
- Planning focus groups and in-depth interviews
- Qualitative data analysis
- Thematic analysis
- How to report qualitative findings
- Qualitative synthesis and systematic reviewing
- Writing a qualitative proposal
- Philosophy & principles of ethics and rigour in qualitative research
- Critical appraisal
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
A variety of methods will be used including lectures that may include synchronous live sessions and/or asynchronous non-live sessions, active participatory methods, presentations by health researchers, e-learning/interactive tools for learning and self-assessment, guided reading, group study and individual study.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Independent Study | 80 |
Teaching | 20 |
Total study time | 100 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Holloway I. (2008). A-Z of qualitative research in nursing and healthcare. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.
Green J, Thorogood N. (2018). Qualitative Methods for Health Research. Sage.
Bowling A. (2001). Research methods in health: Investigating health and health services. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Braun and Clarke (2013). Successful Qualitative Research. Sage.
Silverman D. (2011). Interpreting Qualitative Data. Sage.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
The assessment includes both formative and summative elements. There will be two components to the formative assessment:
i) facilitated group discussions of a pro forma for a qualitative research proposal, and
ii) an elevator pitch oral presentation.
The summative assessment will be a written qualitative research strategy. The pass mark for the module and written component is 50%.
If you have failed the module, you will have the opportunity to submit work at the next referral (re-sit) opportunity. On passing your referral, your final module mark will be capped at 50%.
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Group sessions
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Verbal.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: Yes
Oral presentation
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Verbal.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Research proposal | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Research proposal | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External