MMD002-Advanced Qualitative Methods

Module Provider: Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:NA
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: e.m.fenton@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This is a compulsory module providing students with an overview of qualitative research methods to inform them of the possibilities provided by qualitative research methods and an understanding of how qualitative methods may be used in their own research.

The main themes are: a) the intellectual traditions underpinning qualitative research and its contested nature as a methodology, including the relationship to quantitative methods; b) research design issues, including how specific research strategies, methods and data collection techniques may be used to answer research questions.

These themes are analysed through the relevant methodological and philosophical theories and conceptual frameworks, as well as exemplar studies and students’ own work. Students are encouraged to engage actively and critically with the theoretical and empirical content of the module through interactive lectures drawing upon their own research as examples. Moreover, students are expected to demonstrate an ability to integrate theories and research practice in their coursework.

Aims:

The module aims to deepen students’ understanding of qualitative research, particularly in the area of business, organisational, social and management studies.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of:

- Various methodologies within the qualitative tradition and their associated research methods;

- Qualitative research design, including the role of the researcher;

- High impact qualitative research.

They will also be able to demonstrate their ability to produce a research design and conduct an exercise in a qualitative method.

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills and the students’ effectiveness in group situations. Structured activities are designed to develop analytical skills, abilities to construct original arguments and independent learning. Students are encouraged to develop additional IT skills through the use of relevant web resources and communication techniques, including Blackboard.

Outline content:

The module addresses key qualitative research philosophies, methods and approaches through 10 weekly lectures:

1) Introduction to Qualitative Methodology

2) Insights from the Philosophy of Science

3) Design Issues and Qualitative Research

4) Case Study Research

5) Interviewing Skills

6) Analysis of Language Data in Documents 

7) Data Analysis from Case Studies

8) Ethnomethodology: Observation as Data

9) Texts and Talk: Language as the basis of Analysis

10) Texts and Talk: Discourse Analysis

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module comprises interactive lectures where students are encouraged to discuss their own research and apply the topics to their own area and that of others in the class. Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with key readings and contribute to the lectures, sharing their ideas and relevant journal articles from their research area. Some classes have exercises to reinforce the learning while others require students to give an account of how a particular research method is used in their field. Students are expected to have supervision with their supervisors on at least four occasions during the course to clarify their use of methodology.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A minimum mark of 50%

Reassessment arrangements:

By assessment only in August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 5 August 2019