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Within the social sciences, we aim to make sense of experiences, explain events and try to make predictions about the future. In order to be able to do so scientifically, we need theory and research. In this module, we will explore qualitative methods of research. The purpose of this module is to introduce you to the practices of a social science research community, with a focus on education. The structure of the module covers all stages of a research project from designing research questions and deciding on data collection methods and analytical approaches through to the presentation of findings. You will undertake practical activities and reflection tasks to help you learn about qualitative research methods and theories. You will explore the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of data collection and analysis, and you will reflect on what constitutes research that is of good quality, ethical and impactful. You will work collaboratively with your peers so that you will be able to draw on practical as well as theoretical experience.Ìý

Teaching delivery: This module is taught in 10 weekly lectures and 10 weekly seminars.ÌýÌý

Indicative Topics: The module will cover topics including but not limited to the following: Ethics & Reflexivity, Interviews, Ethnography, Digital Research methods. These are Indicative lecture topics – based on module content in 2023/24 and are subject to possible changes.Ìý

Module Aims:ÌýÌý

The module aims to equip the students with the following:Ìý

• Theoretical and practical understanding of qualitative social science research, with a particular emphasis on the relevance of and for educational contextsÌý
• Opportunities to methodically evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of particular methods and approaches to researchÌý
• Opportunities to critically reflect on key concepts relating to social science research and how they relate to education and societyÌý
• The ability to draw on the module content and learning to create a coherent research proposalÌý

Recommended readings:ÌýÌý

• Jackson, J. (2015). How to develop a research proposal. Research Methods in Intercultural Communication: A Practical Guide, 147-161.Ìý
• Babbie, E. R. (2020). The practice of social research. Cengage.ÌýÌý
• Kvale, S., & Brinkmann, S. (2009). Interviews: Learning the craft of qualitative research interviewing. Sage Publication