PYM0QQ-Applying Qualitative Methods in Psychological Research

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: PYM0S1 Data Collection and Analysis 1 and PYM0S2 Data Collection and Analysis 2 or PYMFCR Clinical Research Methods or PYMCRM Research Methods and Data Analysis (Conversion)
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof Kate Harvey
Email: k.n.harvey@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
The purpose of this module is to inform students about the approaches used in qualitative research. Students will gain practical knowledge of key methods.

Aims:
This module offers students a grounding in the use of qualitative research methods in psychology. It examines the complementary roles of qualitative and quantitative approaches in psychological research, and introduces key methods for collecting and analysing qualitative data. Criteria for evaluating the rigour of qualitative research are considered.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
1) describe qualitative approaches to psychological research in relation to other methodological approaches
2) describe methods of collecting qualitative data
3) outline the processes involved in conducting qualitative analysis
4) understand rigour and be able to evaluate qualitative research

Assessment will be by coursework. Students will conduct a small research project under the direction of the modulelecturer. From this, the student will produce a portfolio that will be assessed.

Additional outcomes:

The content of this module will be drawn upon in many parts of the programme, in practical assignments (PYM0RT, PYM0EP) and in theoretical or evaluative aspects of other modules.

Outline content:
Session 1: Introduction to qualitative methods in psychology
Session 2: Qualitative methods of data collection
Session 3: Qualitative methods of data analyses
Session 4: Rigour in qualitative research
Session 5: Portfolio support

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Students will be given directed readings that they will be expected to have read before attending seminars. Classes will last around 3 hours and will consist of a formal and structured overview of the area and a discussion in which students will be expected to participate. Some sessions will also involve a component of £hands on£ collection and analyses of qualitative data and discussion of the issues arising from applying particular qualitative methods.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	15
Guided independent study:	85
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
none

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Coursework
Students will conduct a small project which will involve the collection and analysis of qualitative data. Details of this will be given out during term time. This work will be presented as portfolio which will be assessed.

Relative percentage of coursework:
100%. With respect to assessment, further general information will be available in the Course Handbook, and module-specific details will be made available in module material.

Formative assessment methods:

Students will receive feedback on their project outline including their Topic Guide.  The final seminar will provide students with the opportunity to obtain feedback on the project they are conducting and/or their portfolio.

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:
50%

Reassessment arrangements:

If a student fails the assignment, an alternative, equivalent assignment can be submitted.  The assignment and date of submission will be by arrangement with the Module Convenor and/or Programme Director. Students should note however that, given the University regulations on failing credits, it may not be in their interests to resubmit the coursework.

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: 22 September 2022