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| Module Availability |
| Semester 2 |
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| Assessment Pattern |
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Unit(s) of Assessment
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Weighting Towards Module Mark( %)
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Observation Report (1000 words)
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25
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Qualitative Interviews and Analysis Report (3000 words)
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75
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Qualifying Condition(s)
A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module.
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| 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. |
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| Prerequisites/Co-requisites |
| None |
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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 |
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| Methods of Teaching/Learning |
11 lectures and 11 classes
Weekly reading
Practical exercises |
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| 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 |
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| Last Updated |
| April 2011 |
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