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Qualitative Research Methods

Overview

  • Credit value: 15 credits at Level 5
  • Convenor and tutor: Dr Joanna Farr
  • Assessment: a multiple-choice examination (30%) and 2000-2400-word qualitative lab report (70%)

Module description

In this module we introduce qualitative research methods in psychology, including interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), reflexive thematic analysis, discourse analysis and mixed methods. Throughout the module, you will learn the skills needed to produce an IPA report, including semi-structured interviewing, data analysis and qualitative report writing, and will be introduced to issues of quality and ethics in qualitative research.

Indicative syllabus

  • Introduction to qualitative methods
  • Interpretative phenomenological analysis
  • Interviewing and ethics in qualitative research
  • Reflexive thematic analysis
  • Discourse analysis
  • Mixed methods
  • Quality in qualitative research
  • Writing up results and wider report

Learning objectives

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

  • understand the qualitative paradigm
  • demonstrate core skills in interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) data collection and analysis
  • demonstrate core skills in qualitative report writing
  • understand a range of qualitative methods
  • understand ethics for qualitative research
  • evaluate the validity and quality of qualitative research.