MMD013-Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods

Module Provider: Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:NA
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Kleio Akrivou
Email: k.akrivou@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Aims:

This module aims to introduce students to the understanding of qualitative research (in social science and particularly in the area of business and management studies). It is designed for students mainly using quantitative methods in their PhD studies who wish to have an introductory class in qualitative research.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Intended learning outcomes: 

- To allow students to explore the philosophy and epistemology basic qualitative methods and research design and analysis for high impact qualitative research

- To introduce research ethics and research integrity

- To explore and reflect on the complementarity between qualitative and quantitative methods in the study of management and organisation and a basic knowledge of their respective philosophical positions

- To introduce students to key qualitative research methods and their usefulness and a basic knowledge of the range of methods and types of data available to qualitative researchers, such as interviewing methods, case study research, and the uses of documents and archival material in the study of organisations and other qualitative research designs

- To appreciate the importance and usefulness of mixed methods approaches and be introduced to basic concepts for data triangulation

Assessable learning outcomes: 

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

- Some key methodologies within the qualitative tradition and their associated research methods

- Qualitative research design choices (some key methods)

-How Qualitative research designs and methods are informed by different philosophy and epistemology

- High impact strategies for interviewing

- Why designs based on mixed methods support good quality social research

By the end of the module students will be able to reflect on and discuss: 

- A basic analysis of key qualitative research methods such as case study research can be utilised to analyse research problems and questions for specific social, organisational and behavioural research analysis

- A basic analysis of their own philosophical and epistemological research bases and how they inform their research plans

- The relationship and complementarity between qualitative and quantitative methods in the study of management and organisation and a basic knowledge of their respective philosophical positions

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims to encourage the development of a community of practice of research students across areas and the sharing and development of oral communication skills about their research and the students’ research identity sharing with their peers.  

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 a combination of lectures and workshops covering qualitative research methods:

1) Introduction to Qualitative Methodology and Design Issues; Quality and Ethics of Research

2) Philosophy of Science

3) Case Study Research: Document and archival methods/ ethnography and document analysis

4) Interviewing and skill testing; mixed methods approaches

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module comprises interactive lectures and seminars which are enriched with conversational learning and practical tasks (where students are encouraged to discuss qualitative research methods and potential application to their own research and that of others in the class). Lectures and seminars form a unit and are complementary. Students are encouraged to present a basic research design proposal and get formative feedback. They are also suggested some key readings to further their knowledge and contribute to the lectures, sharing their ideas and relevant journal articles from related research areas. Some classes have workshops/exercises or presentations to reinforce the learning.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Class participation only, no formal examination.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One formal extended work-based?learning class will be scheduled after lectures 3/4?as a class presentation session.?A pass/fail mark is given based on each presentation.

Formative assessment methods:

Students receive formative feedback for the work they present at the work-based learning class, as well as peer feedback.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convener 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 pass mark based on participation and interaction during class times and the formal work based learning presentation session.

Reassessment arrangements:

N/A

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Students are not required to spend any additional costs.

Last updated: 30 March 2023