Qualitative Research Methods

Module title	Qualitative Research Methods
Module code	BEMM066
Academic year	2024/5
Credits	15
Module staff	Dr Greg Molecke (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks		11

Number students taking module (anticipated)	10

Module description

This module prepares students for conducting independent research using qualitative methods. It aims to introduce students to qualitative research methods and provide them with an understanding of the underlying theoretical frameworks and the use of qualitative methods. Thiscourse introduces key methodological theory and practical skills that would be most valuable for a new qualitative:

Define and recognize what qualitative research is and what types of research questions qualitative research is best able to answer.

Describe the processes qualitative methodologies use to draw new truths about the world (theory) out of “The Ground” of lived experiences and social interactions using inductive/abductive reasoning (as opposed to deductive reasoning like hypothesis testing).

Identify, appraise, and practice methods and techniques to collect data for qualitative research (e.g. interviews, ethnography, archival materials).

Identify, appraise, and practice methods and techniques to analyse qualitative data.

Formulate and practice methods and techniques to write and present qualitative research.

This is done through a combination of readings, discussions, and practical exercises.

This module is accessible to all students with an interest in conducting their own primary empirical research in management studies and it is a requirement for students on the MRes programmes.

Module aims - intentions of the module

- Prepare students for independent research informed by social science qualitative methods.
- Equip students to design, with minimal supervision and guidance, programmes of primary empirical research, taking into consideration issues of research ethics, data collection, data analysis and reporting of findings.
- Challenge students to critically evaluate the philosophical assumptions associated with different research paradigms, as they relate to the selection of approaches and the production of knowledge.
- Enable students in their future careers to have confidence in their abilities to analyse data including the use of computer aided qualitative data analysis software, commission research, or conduct research in the work place and wider operating environment.
- Equip students with report writing skills in order to present and interpret data in easily accessible ways.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

1. Explain the potential role and value of qualitative research methods to social science research
2. Define and apply the theoretical underpinnings of how inductive/abductive reasoning can generate new theory, and how to evaluate the rigour, trustworthiness, and validity of these new theoretical insights.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

3. Evaluate the circumstances under which particular qualitative methods might be used and select the most appropriate data and analytical approaches for addressing a specific research question
4. Apply an appropriate range of advanced qualitative methods in the social sciences accurately and independently

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

5. Use digital technologies to collect, analyse, present and communicate information independently and effectively
6. Identify, appraise, and practice core qualitative methods for collecting and analysing qualitative data.

Syllabus plan

Indicative content includes:
- Nature of qualitative research
- Qualitative-research in Social Sciences
- Ethical issues in qualitative research
- Qualitative research design
- Interviews and focus groups
- Observation and ethnography
- qualitative online research
- Analysing qualitative data
- Reporting qualitative research findings

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
22	128	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	22 (11 x 2 hours)	Seminars
Guided Independent Study	128	Reading and preparation for seminars Reading, analysis and drafting of assignments

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Student led discussion on key concepts	Throughout classtime	1-6	Verbal
In-Class Exercises	Throughout classtime	1-6	Verbal

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
100	0	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Learning Portfolio	100	3500 words	1-6	Written
	0
	0

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Learning Portfolio	Learning Portfolio	1-6	Relevant reassessment period.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

A series of approximately 30 readings and video lectures provided through the Exeter Library Online systems, video hosting platforms, handouts, and other electronic resources.

Web-based and electronic resources:

ELE –https://ele.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=8995#section-0
NVIVO Software

Key words search

Methodology, Research Methods, Qualitative Research, Research Design, Grounded Theory

Credit value	15
Module ECTS	7.5
Module pre-requisites	None
Module co-requisites	None
NQF level (module)	7
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	18/02/2018
Last revision date	12/04/2024