2016/17 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

GEOG5120M Qualitative Research Methods

15 creditsClass Size: 25

Module manager: Robert Vanderbeck
Email: r.vanderbeck@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module provides an advanced treatment of core issues in qualitative research design, data collection, and analysis. The module is primarily seminar based, although there is some use of lecture and other techniques. Students will develop sophisticated critiques of published qualitative work while providing practice in applying qualitative techniques. Methods of data collection discussed include participant observation, interviewing (both individual and group), and textual analysis. Attention is also given to qualitative analysis and writing practices, and students will receive an introduction to the use of NVIVO software.

Objectives

This module provides an advanced treatment of core issues in qualitative research design, data collection, and analysis. The module is primarily seminar based, although there is some use of lecture and other techniques.

Students will develop sophisticated critiques of published qualitative work while providing practice in applying qualitative techniques. Methods of data collection discussed include participant observation, interviewing (both individual and group), and textual analysis.

Attention is also given to qualitative analysis and writing practices, and students will receive an introduction to the use of qualitative data analysis software.

Throughout particular attention is given to examples of research in urban contexts, but the approaches discussed are more widely transferable to research in other contexts/areas.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module students should be able to demonstrate:
i) skills in qualitative data collection and analysis, including document analysis, semi-structured interviewing and ethnographic research;
ii) understanding of the principles of qualitative research design and implementation in the social sciences; and
iii) an ability to evaluate and critique published qualitative research methods in the social sciences

Skills outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
1)The dynamic nature of environmental issues and the inter-relationships between the discipline and the social sciences.

Cognitive skills:
2) Abstraction and synthesis of information from a variety of sources
3) Assessment and critical evaluation of the merits of contrasting theories, explanations, policies
4) Critical analysis and interpretation of data and text
5) Developing reasoned arguments.

Practical/professional skills:
6) Plan, design, execute and report research both individually and as part of a team
7) Undertake effective field study (with due regard for safety and risk assessment)
8) Collect, interpret and synthesise different types of quantitative and qualitative data
9) Recognise the ethical issues involved in geographical debates and enquiries.

Key skills:
10) Communicate effectively (in writing, verbally and through graphical presentations)
11) Identify, retrieve, sort and exchange information using a wide range of sources
12) Work as part of a team and to recognise and respect the viewpoints of others
13) Manage time and organise work effectively.

Syllabus

Introductory Meeting/ Rationales for Qualitative Research
Qualitative Research Design
Research Ethics
Interviewing: Individual and Group
Participant Observation and Ethnography
Qualitative Analysis, Writing and Software
Designing a Qualitative Research Project
Fieldwork in an International Context
Textual Methods
Visual Methods

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	3	2.00	6.00
Seminar	7	2.00	14.00
Private study hours			130.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Entails group work in conjunction with the research project and readings for the respective lecture and assignments.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Progress will be monitored through activities built into the structure of the module which provide opportunities to discuss with the instructor and their peers aspects of their assessments.

Formative feedback on the major piece of assessment will be provided at various points including, two scheduled workshops where students will discuss the development and evolution of their projects.

Students who experience any difficulties with the first, smaller piece of assessment will be invited to have an individual meeting with the instructor to address issues prior to the completion of the larger assessment.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 1,500 word essay	30.00
Project	1 x 3,000 word qualitative project	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Please note: the total word count is slightly higher than the assessment norms grid recommends. This is not because the quantity or difficulty of assessment is out of line with other modules, but because the particular nature of the tasks involving qualitative methods often of necessity involves using longer quotations, etc. (hence our practice of allowing more words for qualitative undergrad dissertations). Having slightly higher word counts makes the tasks more manageable - not harder - for students and is preferred by them. the reports at 70% involve more prep work than the essay, hence the fact that they are weighted at a slightly higher proportion.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 06/03/2015

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