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Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


SP20062: Qualitative social research methods

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 100%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take SP10059
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
1.To give students a critical overview of qualitative research methods.
2. To give students a chance to apply their knowledge of qualitative methods by carrying out a qualitative research project.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the unit students should be able to:
*Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different qualitative methods
*Design and complete a qualitative research project
*Reflect on their experience of doing research and make suggestions for how their research skills might be improved

Skills:
Intellectual skills:
*To think creatively and analytically.
*To communicate an argument.
*To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information.
*To gather information, data, research and literature from a number of different sources (i.e. library, web-based, archives etc.).
*To select appropriate and relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge.
*To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding.
*To utilise problem solving skills.
Professional Practical skills:
*To develop sensitivity to the values and interests of others.
Transferable/Key skills:
*Inter-personal and communication skills
*Essay research, preparation and writing skills
*To construct a bibliography of varying complexity
*Time-management and administrative skills
*Team and group working skills
*To reflect upon his/her own academic and professional performance and take responsibility for personal and professional learning and development
*To solve problems in a variety of situations
*To manage time effectively and respond to changing demands
*To prioritise workloads, and utilise long- and short-term planning skills

Content:
The unit will cover: conceptual frameworks, research questions, research aims and objectives; ethics, sampling and fieldwork methods; reflective methods; interviewing techniques and practicalities; analysis and writing up.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

SP20062 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences
  • UHSP-AFB16 : BSc (hons) Social Policy (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UHSP-AKB16 : BSc (hons) Social Policy (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • UHSP-AFB05 : BSc (hons) Social Sciences (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UHSP-AKB05 : BSc (hons) Social Sciences (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • UHSP-AFB04 : BSc (hons) Sociology (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UHSP-AKB04 : BSc (hons) Sociology (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • UHSP-AFB10 : BSc (hons) Sociology and Social Policy (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UHSP-AKB10 : BSc (hons) Sociology and Social Policy (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • UHSP-AFB11 : BSc (hons) Sociology with Human Resource Management (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UHSP-AKB11 : BSc (hons) Sociology with Human Resource Management (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.