You'll be taught the more advanced aspects of qualitative research, which will provide you with knowledge, insights and techniques that are more comprehensive, advancing their understanding of the theoretical perspectives related to quantitative research design. You’ll also learn the specific qualitative methodologies, including data collection, data analysis and critical appraisal skills. You’ll be able to describe epistemological stances related to appropriate design of a qualitative research study and to understand how theory informs the analysis. You will master the advanced methods of qualitative data collection and the different types of bias in qualitative research and the effect on the findings will be taught. The impact of reflexivity and how it may impact the qualitative research study will be described. You’ll learn the skills to appraise a range of advanced qualitative approaches to evaluate the quality and design of a qualitative research study and learn to evaluate critically the different methodological approaches, that are most relevant to a research question. Whilst undertaking qualitative research, there are complexities and often challenges related to qualitative research, therefore you’ll be taught to recognise the implications for undertaking qualitative exploration. You’ll also engage with complexity in research, and they will be taught the knowledge and skills required for more advanced elements of qualitative research to publish written reports.
Contact hours:-
lectures- 11 hours
Seminars - 11 hours
Independent study - 118 hours
Assessment preparation - 60
Total hours:-
200 hours
Available ONLY for the MSc Applied Health and Care Research as an optional module
Main Assessments.
a)Critical analysis of published research (Assessment type- written; Assessment component - extended writing) ; Volume of assessment - 3000 words; Weighting -60%; Module learning outcomes covered- 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
b)Analysis and Coding exercise (Assessment type written; Assessment component - report); Volume of assessment 2000 words, Weighting 40%; Module learning outcomes covered - 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Reassessment methods:-
Like-for-like
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Have a systematic understanding of the fundamental concepts in qualitative research methods, including an ability to critically evaluate the principles of (and debates about) quality in qualitative research and research methods commonly used in current healthcare research.
2) Critically evaluate the qualitative research methods in health and care with respect to their design, analysis and interpretation.
3) Demonstrate a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the appropriate qualitative methods for answering a variety of research questions and be able to write clear research questions for the most appropriate methods for use in a variety of contexts.
4) Classify and critically evaluate the theories of qualitative and the effects of interventions, policies, or decisions on individuals or systems, as explored through in-depth analysis used in published research, interpreting the collected output in relation to hypothesis testing.
5) Critically communicate qualitative research clearly, correctly, and with integrity, to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
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