2016/17 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

EDUC5062M Qualitative data: processes of collection, interpretation and analysis

15 creditsClass Size: 25

Module manager: Professor Pia Christensen
Email: P.Christensen@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

This module is mutually exclusive with

EDUC5025M	Introduction to Educational Research Methods and Approaches
EDUC5028M	Foundations of Educ Research 1

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

Building on work done in the prerequisite modules, this module provides an introduction to and practical engagement with the processes of qualitative data collection, interpretation and analysis through consideration of three main methods; document analysis, interviewing and observing. Students will consider the general relevance and scope of qualitative data within different research paradigms, and the importance of linking research questions to data collection strategies in methodologically and epistemologically coherent ways. Matters of ethics, validity, reliability and trustworthiness will be considered as issues to be mediated continuously throughout the ongoing practical processes of data collection, interpretation and analysis. Following reflection on these generic issues, students will be introduced, in workshops, to a range of frameworks, approaches and strategies for each data collection method and their attendant issues. They will engage practically in considering issues related to collecting, recording and transcribing data, and then to developing and using appropriate frameworks for interpretation and analysis.

Objectives

On completion of this module students should be able to demonstrate critical understanding of:
- The relevance of qualitative data to different research contexts, paradigms and questions
- The range of approaches to collecting qualitative data using document analysis, interviewing and observing
- The benefits and limitations of collecting data using the methods of document analysis, interviewing and observing
- The links between analytic and methodological frameworks and research questions in interpreting and analysing qualitative data
- Issues of reliability, validity and trustworthiness in collecting, interpreting and analysing qualitative data.
- The practical processes of and ethical considerations in collecting, interpreting and analysing qualitative data
- Issues relating to transcribing audio and videotaped data

Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students will have developed the ability to:

- Critically reflect on the links between methodology and method in small-scale research projects;
- Make appropriate, theoretically-informed decisions about the processes of qualitative data collection;
- Engage in ethical processes of qualitative data collection;
- Develop appropriate analytic frameworks for interpreting and analysing qualitative data;
- Produce effective written arguments and accounts of the processes of qualitative data collection, interpretation and analysis.

Skills outcomes
Through participating in the module, students will develop expertise in the following transferable skills:

- To critically evaluate different approaches to generating qualitative data to answer specific research questions;
- To make relevant and theoretically coherent decisions about analytic frameworks for interpreting and analysing qualitative data;
- To carry out rigorous and theoretically-informed processes of qualitative data analysis.

Syllabus

Two introductory sessions covering the following content:
1. The relevance of qualitative data within different research paradigms and methodological frameworks
2. Overview of three main methods for qualitative data collection, including methodological implications, scope, range of approaches, benefits and limitations, using illuminative examples from published studies:
a. document analysis
b. interviewing
c. observing
3. Issues of reliability, validity, trustworthinessand ethics related to each key method

Three practical workshops to illuminate processes of data collection, interpretation and analysis:
1. Introduction to a research project where a particular method is being used to collect data
2. Presentation of examples of actual data
3. Discussion of selected analytic frameworks
4. Worked examples of interpretation and analysis
5. Issues, e.g. validity, reliability, ethics

Final plenary session to elicit principles to underpin processes of qualitative data collection

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Group learning	5	3.00	15.00
Seminar	6	2.00	12.00
Tutorial	2	0.50	1.00
Independent online learning hours			122.00
Private study hours			0.00
Total Contact hours			28.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Students will be required to pursue a course of required and recommended reading in order to be able to engage actively with the taught sessions. Before workshop sessions, they will be expected to carry out tasks, in small groups, in order to prepare them for the practical activities provided.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Progress will be monitored through engagement in group sessions, including participation in the practical activities.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	3000 words	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 15/05/2017

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