Module POLM063 for 2017/8
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Postgraduate Module Descriptor
POLM063: Qualitative Methods in Social Research
This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 academic year.
Module Aims
This module aims to
- equip you with the theoretical understanding and practical skills to apply core qualitative methods used across the different disciplines of the social sciences;
- familiarise you with key critical perspectives on the application of qualitative methods; and
- teach you how to take field notes, write up and present results and satisfy research ethics requirements.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
---|---|
Module-Specific Skills | 1. demonstrate in writing a detailed awareness and comprehension of the diversity of evidence utilized in social research using qualitative research strategies; 2. recognize in writing and orally the relevance and significance of different forms of knowledge; 3. recognize and evaluate in writing the diversity of specialised qualitative techniques and approaches involved in collecting research information; 4. critically evaluate in writing and orally the issues involved in the application of qualitative research designs in the context of the social sciences (both in theoretical and practical terms); 5. demonstrate skills in the general principles of research design, data collection and management; 6. show awareness of the specificities of data and data collection strategies when using qualitative research methods; |
Discipline-Specific Skills | 7. recognize and be able to critically discuss orally and in writing the contested and provisional nature of knowledge and understanding; 8. identify and evaluate orally and in writing comprehensive approaches to problem-solving; 9. systematically synthesize information in writing and orally; |
Personal and Key Skills | 10. apply complex ideas and concepts to new situations in writing; 11. demonstrate a systematic; and rigorous approach in writing to accuracy, precision and uncertainty; 12. use ICT effectively and appropriately to locate and extract data from a variety of online sources; 13. undertake independent/self-directed learning (including time management) to achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment; 14. critically reflect on the process of learning and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses; 15. develop the ability to study independently and work in groups; 16. develop the ability to deliver presentations to peers, communicate effectively in speech and writing; and 17. write professional reports and to disseminate research findings accordingly |
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
Introduction
Ethics
Case selection and the comparative method
Process tracing
Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA)
Historicism and Interpretivism
Discourse and content analysis
Interviews
Focus groups
Participatory research
Ethnography
Learning and Teaching
This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
---|---|---|
22 | 128 | 0 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
---|---|---|
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 22 | 11x 2 hour seminars (lectures and student presentations) |
Guided independent study | 40 | Directed readings |
Guided independent study | 20 | Preparation of presentation |
Guided independent study | 68 | Coursework completion - conducting research, analysing data, writing the finished product |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
http://www.compasss.org/about.htm
http://www.qualitative-research.net/index.php/fqs
https://www.maxwell.syr.edu/moynihan/cqrm/APSA_s_Qualitative_and_Multi-Method_Research_Section/
Other Learning Resources
http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=168656/
You can find lots of advice relating to essay writing at:
http://www.services.ex.ac.uk/cas/employability/askills/essay/index.htm
You can also find other useful advice related to general study skills at: http://www.services.ex.ac.uk/edu/student-learning-skills/resources.shtml
How this Module is Assessed
In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.
Formative Assessment
A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.
Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
---|---|---|---|
Essay plan | 500 words | 1-11 | Either orally or in writing as preferred by student |
Summative Assessment
A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.
Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
---|---|---|
60 | 0 | 40 |
...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.
Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
---|---|---|---|---|
Essay | 60 | 3000 words | 1-17 | Written feedback |
In-class group presentation (groups of 2 or 3) | 20 | 15 minutes | 1-17 | Written feedback |
Written critical appraisal of empirical example study | 20 | 1000 words | 1-17 | Written feedback |
0 | ||||
0 | ||||
0 | ||||
0 | ||||
0 |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.
Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
---|---|---|---|
Essay (3000 words) | Essay (3000 words) | 1-17 | August/September reassessment period |
In-class group presentation (groups of 2 or 3) | Individual oral presentation to module convenor (15 minutes) | 1-17 | May/ June |
Written critical appraisal of empirical example study | Written critical appraisal of empirical example study (1000 words) | 1-17 | May/ June |