Introduction to Qualitative Methods and Data Analysis - SOC00026M

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Module summary

This module equips with you the skills and knowledge to understand and apply a range of qualitative data collection and analysis methods.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 1 2025-26

Module aims

Qualitative data is all around us in the social world - from advertising billboards, to newspaper articles, televised debates and interviews, and blog or online forum posts, to name just a few sources we may encounter routinely. Social researchers may also generate their own qualitative data through various research techniques, such as interviews, focus groups or ethnographic observation. This module equips with you the skills and knowledge to understand and apply a range of qualitative data collection and analysis methods. You will gain hands-on experience of collecting and analyzing qualitative data, gained through in-class exercises and the independent work required in preparation for class discussion and for your assessment.

Module learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate a broad and sophisticated understanding of a range of methods for collecting and analysing qualitative data and the relevant computer software

2. Articulate clearly why they would choose one qualitative method over another and why qualitative methods, in general, would be appropriate as a means to address specific research aims;

3. Design and carry out ethically sound, well-designed qualitative data collection using one or more of the available techniques (indicative examples include: interviews, focus groups, ethnographic observation);

4. Analyse original qualitative datasets using one or more of the available techniques (indicative examples include: thematic analysis, discourse analysis, biographical/narrative analysis and forms of visual analysis);

5. Critically reflect on heir own research process and findings;

6. Evaluate published qualitative research findings and to compare their own analyses with those in the published literature.

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Module feedback

For formative work, students will receive feedback on how to improve their skills in areas that will contribute towards their summative assessment. The formative assessment provides practice for the summative tasks which entail 3500 words, which is in line with MLOs particularly 1-5.

For summative assessment, students will receive an overall mark and grading according to clearly defined criteria for assessing their knowledge, skills and abilities in line with MLOs 1-5. They will also receive written feedback showing areas in which they have done well and areas in which they need to improve that will contribute to their progress.

Indicative reading

Braun, V. and Clarke, V. (2013) Successful Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide for Beginners. SAGE: London.

Ritchie, J., Lewis, J., McNaughton Nicholls, C., Ormston, R. (2014) Qualitative Research Practice: A guide for Social Science Students and Researchers. SAGE: London.

The Critical Methodologies Collective (2021) The Politics and Ethics of Representation in Qualitative Research: Addressing Moments of Discomfort. Routledge: London.