APME40-Qualitative Research Methods

Module Provider: Agr and Food Econ
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Giacomo Zanello
Email: g.zanello@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Gain fundamental knowledge of qualitative research methods and evaluate the contribution of such methods to social science research, particularly in relation to economics and as applied in the fields of agriculture and food. Learn through integrated lectures, practical sessions, and applied group work.

Aims:
This module aims to introduce students to qualitative research methods and to provide students with an appreciation of the contribution of such methods to social science research, particularly in relation to economics and as applied in the fields of agriculture and food.

Assessable learning outcomes:
At the end of this module students will be able to:
£ Recognize the role and value of qualitative research methods to social science research.
£ Understand the objectives and characteristics of quantitative and qualitative research methods and the synergies between the two.
£ Assess the circumstances under which particular qualitative techniquesresearch methods might be used and why and be able to apply them in practice.
£ Design and evaluate qualitative research

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:
£ Classification and overview of qualitative methods
£ Design qualitative research and ethical issues
£ In-depth interview
£ Focus groups and panels
£ Participatory methods and ethnographic research
£ Projective techniques and unobtrusive measure
£ Mixed-methods and qualitative research in practice (NVivo)

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	12
Practicals classes and workshops	8
Work-based learning	80
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Oral assessment and presentation	60
Class test administered by School	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Group assignment: Run qualitative research on case studies provided   distil the lessons learnt in a report and present the findings  – Week 9 and 10 (60%)

 

Test: Multiple choice test in Week 11. One hour, 30 questions (40%)

Formative assessment methods:
Moderated group work sessions
£Snap-tests£

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/files/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmissionPGflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
By examination in August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 23 June 2021