Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SOC1047: 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 your 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 them. It will help you develop independence in your wider approach to learning. You will learn how to engage in the research process, covering the preparatory stages including sampling, the appropriate application of the method and, finally, data analysis. 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

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 project 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
Thematic coding framework	Coding list + example text	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