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PSY-20050 - Module Specification
School of Psychology
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2022/23 Last Updated: 19 January 2023

PSY-20050 - Qualitative Research Methods
Coordinator: Alexandra Kent Tel: +44 1782 7 33289
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733736

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2022/23

This module aims to advance your understanding of qualitative research methods and analyses used in Psychology and builds on the content of the first year research methods modules. You will gain an understanding of a variety of methods, such as interviewing, focus groups, world cafes, etc. as well as a variety of analysis techniques, such as thematic analysis, discourse analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis, etc. The module is split into two main components with weekly whole-cohort classes supported by practical lab classes.

Aims
This module aims to advance student understanding of qualitative research methods used in psychology, and builds on the introductory content from PSY-10036. Throughout this module, students will examine the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research and develop knowledge and skills in various qualitative data collection techniques and analysis methods.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe and evaluate the main philosophical and conceptual issues underpinning qualitative research: 1
Design appropriate data collection and analysis strategies to answer research questions using qualitative methods: 2
Conduct, analyse, and evaluate qualitative research projects: 2

Study hours

Taught Sessions - 10 hours
Lab Classes - 20 hours
Asynchronous learning (e.g. lab prep, completing 'homework') - 10 hours
shot answer question - 25 hours
Lab report - 85 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Assignment weighted 20%
Short-answer question
Students will complete a short-answer, 500-word assignment on justifying the use of qualitative research methods, demonstrating and understanding the theoretical underpinnings of qualitative research, reflexivity, and an appropriate research question. This assignment will be written towards a lay audience.

2: Laboratory Report weighted 80%
Qualitative Lab Report
Students will complete a 2,200 word individual qualitative lab report based on the qualitative theory and practical qualitative methods approaches covered within the module. Students work on a research subject selected at the beginning of the module. The individual qualitative report will include most elements of an empirical paper ¿ method, results, an executive summary/conclusion.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 19 January 2023