Qualitative Health Research - HEA00155M
Module summary
This course will enable you to design and conduct your own qualitative research with confidence. You will gain knowledge and practical skills in qualitative research design: developing qualitative research questions, selecting appropriate qualitative methodologies, data collection techniques, qualitative data analysis and reflexivity. You will also develop an understanding of how to assess rigour and credibility in qualitative research.
Module will run
Occurrence | Teaching period |
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A | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
This module explores the role of qualitative research methodologies in health services research, and considers the different types of research questions that can be addressed using the range of qualitative methods available. The module offers a framework in which to assess quality in research design and conduct, and how this is applied to qualitative research. A mix of theoretical and practical debate is a particular feature of the course and all aspects of research design are discussed.
The more formal aims of the course are to:
- Familiarise students with the philosophical origins of qualitative research
- Enable students to understand the value and purpose of different qualitative approaches and assess their appropriateness for answering different types of research questions
- Provide students with the knowledge and skills to design, conduct and appraise qualitative research
- Introduce students to a broad range of qualitative methods, including different and emerging approaches in the use of qualitative methodologies
- Teach students the importance of adopting ethical, robust, transparent and rigorous methodological strategies in a way that encourages reflexive reconciliation
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
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Identify and debate the epistemological and ontological assumptions informing qualitative methodologies
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Define the types of research questions that can be appropriately addressed using qualitative methodology
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Systematically apply knowledge of how to design a qualitative study and the factors that need to be considered for this
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Explore the range of qualitative techniques for collecting and analysing data and know the circumstances under which they are likely to be successful
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Critically evaluate the conduct and quality of qualitative research
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Appreciate the role of qualitative research methods in trials and mixed methods research
Module content
- Theoretical underpinnings of qualitative research
- Qualitative research design
- Qualitative data collection techniques e.g. interviews and focus groups
- Qualitative data analysis
- Qualitative methodologies
- Reflexivity
- Quality and rigour
Indicative assessment
Task | % of module mark |
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Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Written feedback for the summative assessment is provided on the standard proforma, within the timescale specified in the programme handbook.
Indicative reading
Braun V, Clarke, V. Successful Qualitative Research : a Practical Guide for Beginners. SAGE Publications; 2013.
Creswell JW. Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design : Choosing Among Five Approaches . Fourth edition. International Student Edition. (Poth CN, ed.). SAGE Publications; 2017.
Ritchie J, Lewis J, McNaughton C, Ormston R, (eds). Qualitative Research Practice: a Guide for Social Science Students and Researchers. SAGE Publications; 2014.
Tolley EE, Ulin PR, Mack N, Robinson ET, Succop SM. Qualitative Methods in Public Health: a Field Guide for Applied Research. 2nd ed. Wiley; 2016.