Undergraduate Module Descriptor

ANT1011: Imagining Social Worlds: Qualitative Research

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 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.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
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
27	123	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	11 x two-hour lecture/seminar sessions
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity	5	5 x 1-hour tutorials
Guided Independent Study	37	Preparation for group projects/seminars
Guided Independent Study	51	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/

The Research Companion: https://theresearchcompanion.com/resources/

Sage MethodSpace: https://www.methodspace.com/