Module SOC1047 for 2019/0
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
SOC1047: Imagining Social Worlds: Qualitative Research
This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.
Module Aims
The primary aim of the module is to equip you with a foundational understanding of qualitative research methodology which can be appropriately built upon during the following years of their degree. It will do this through a close focus on research interviewing, in which you will have an opportunity to practice these methods and reflect on their practice. By structuring the module around group enquiry, it will help you develop independence in your wider approach to learning. You will be taught to engage in the research process, covering the preparatory stages including sampling, the appropriate application of the method and, finally, to analyse the data collected. Through constructive seminar discussions you will build a sense of familiarity with research interviewing and confidence in undertaking practical qualitative research.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. demonstrate knowledge of key methods in social research 2. demonstrate a practical mastery of research interviewing 3. demonstrate knowledge of qualitative data analysis techniques |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 4. demonstrate an understanding of key strengths and weaknesses of key methods in social research 5. critically reflect on the application of research interviewing with an aim of improving future practice |
| Personal and Key Skills | 6. undertake independent study effectively 7. evaluate your strengths and weaknesses in learning and study skills and to take action to improve your capacity to learn 8. communicate effectively in written and verbal form 9. Work effectively as part of a team |
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:
- What does research interviewing look like?
- Asking and answering research questions with interviews
- Sampling and research ethics
- The interview in process – active listening, power relations and reflexivity
- Transcription
- Qualitative data analysis.
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 | Weekly two-hour lecture/seminar with introductory lecture followed by groupwork/seminar discussion |
| Guided independent study | 37 | Preparation for group projects/seminars |
| Guided independent study | 56 | Researching and writing critical analysis |
| Guided independent study | 35 | Researching and writing thematic analysis report |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
UK Data Archive: http://data-archive.ac.uk/
National Centre for Research Methods: https://www.ncrm.ac.uk/
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group analysis critical video abstract | 5 min video | 1-9 | In-class verbal feedback and peer feedback via Padlet |
| Interview practice | 10 min interview | 1-8 | In-class verbal feedback |
| Data analysis practice | 5-10 min group presentation | 1-9 | In-class verbal feedback and peer feedback via Padlet |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
...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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Critical analysis of research study | 50 | 1500 word essay | 1-9 | Written and oral feedback |
| Thematic analysis report | 50 | 2500 word report | 1-9 | Written and oral feedback |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical analysis of research study | 1500 word essay | 1-9 | August/September re-assessment period |
| Thematic analysis report | 2500 word report | 1-9 | August/September re-assessment period |
Indicative Reading List
This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.
Alvesson, M. (2010). Interpreting Interviews. London: SAGE Publications Ltd
Brinkmann, S. (2013). Qualitative Interviewing. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Bryman, A. 2016. Social Research Methods. 5th edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Gilbert, N. and Stoneman, P. 2016 Researching Social Life. 4th Edition. London: Sage
Guest, G., MacQueen, K., & Namey, E. (2018). Applied Thematic Analysis. Sage.
Guthrie, G. (2010). Basic research methods: An entry to social science research SAGE Publications’
Magnusson, E., & Marecek, J. (2015). Doing Interview-based Qualitative Research: A Learner's Guide. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Robson, C., & McCartan, K. (2015). Real World Research (4th edition). Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Skinner, J. 2012. The Interview: An Ethnographic Approach. London: Berg.
