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2011/2 Provisional Module Catalogue - UNDER CONSTRUCTION & SUBJECT TO CHANGE
 Module Code: SOC1026 Module Title: QUALITATIVE FIELD METHODS: INTERVIEWS AND ETHNOGRAPHY
Module Provider: Sociology Short Name: SOC1026
Level: HE1 Module Co-ordinator: COHEN RL Dr (Sociology)
Number of credits: 15 Number of ECTS credits: 7.5
 
Module Availability
Semester 2
Assessment Pattern

Unit(s) of Assessment

 

Weighting Towards Module Mark( %)

 

Observation Report (1000 words)

 

25

 

Qualitative Interviews and Analysis Report (3000 words)

 

75

 

Qualifying Condition(s) 

 

A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module.

 

Module Overview
This module introduces students to qualitative field methods including unstructured and semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and participant and non-participant observation. Lectures will explore the particular insights generated by qualitative field methods as well as the problems and possibilities that researchers employing these methods encounter. Students will gain experience in collecting, producing, and analysing their own data.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
None
Module Aims

·         To provide an overview of the qualitative field methods used within sociology, media studies and criminology, especially qualitative interviewing and ethnography

·         To introduce students to the practical and epistemological problems involved in conducting qualitative field methods

 

  • To provide students with experience in conducting and writing about qualitative field research
Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module students should:

 

·         Understand key methodological issues in qualitative field methods

·         Become familiar with designing and conducting research around a research question

·         Be able to carry out collection of primary qualitative data and write a report on the findings and analysis of the data

·         Develop a reflexive and self-critical perspective on their research

 

  • Appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of different qualitative field methods
Module Content

Topics covered include:

 

Why use qualitative field methods?

Ethical and power issues in conducting fieldwork

Choosing a research site and finding participants

 Understanding through observation

The extended-case method

Insider-outsider research

Qualitative interviewing process and focus groups

Analyzing qualitative data

Methods of Teaching/Learning

11 lectures and 11 classes

 

Weekly reading

 

Practical exercises
Selected Texts/Journals

Gilbert N. (ed) (2008) Researching Social Life 3rd Edition. London: Sage

King, N. and Horrocks, C. (2010) Interviews in Qualitative Research London: Sage

Mason, J. (2002) Qualitative Researching 2nd Edition. London: Sage

Bryman, A. (2008) Social Research Methods. 3rd Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Rubin J. and Rubin, I. (2004) Qualitative Interviewing: the art of hearing data. London: Sage
Last Updated
April 2011