Completion of 1,000 word ‘career report’ (summative weighted at 30%) (meets LO 4,5)
1.5 hour examination by way of MCT (summative weighted at 70%) assessing students understanding of key issues covered on the module pertaining to qualitative research methods (meets LO 1,2,3)

Please confirm (IF MORE THAN ONE ASSESSMENT TYPE) which is the final work the student will undertake/hand in/be assessed on:

MCT
70% exam
30% coursework

This module introduces students to a variety of qualitative research methods and analytical techniques that researchers in Sociology and Criminology use to test social theory and study aspects of social life. Topics covered include; the epistemological approaches underpinning qualitative approaches and practicalities involved with generating qualitative research (e.g. sampling and recruitment). Specific qualitative methods covered on this module include: discourse analysis, introduction to approaches in in-depth interviews and elicitation techniques, methods for interviewing groups, ethnography and participant observation, using digital methods to study online communities, mixing quantitative and qualitative methods and introductory approaches to analysing qualitative data (e.g. grounded theory, thematic analysis, narrative analysis). Students will also learn the importance of carrying out research ethically through engagement with controversial and ethically ‘dubious’ sociological and criminological studies. Throughout, students are given the opportunity to use these various methods and techniques giving them an appreciation of the processes involved in generating sociological/criminological knowledge. Students will undertake the first of various tasks that starts them on a journey that encourages them to research and think about the skills, competencies and experiences they need to realise their career aspirations.

The 14% scheduled activities, 86% independent guided study:

14% scheduled activities comprise:

13 two-hour leminars

Lectures in semester one invite students to discover various qualitative research methods: including in-depth interviewing individuals and techniques for interviewing groups, ethnographic research and participant observation, blending qualitative and quantitative methods, discourse analysis, how qualitative methods can be used to study online communities and various analytical techniques to analyse qualitative data.

Students’ learning is consolidated through hands-on activities in the workshops which include a series of practical exercises designed to allow students to become familiar with different qualitative research methods and analytical techniques and allow them to practice and develop research skills.
During the 86% independent-guided study students are given some specific tasks to complete which include:

Completing small preparatory tasks before the workshop which will be used in activities during taught sessions to enhance their understanding of qualitative methods.
Students will also be required to complete weekly readings relevant to each week’s topic which will give students a deeper understanding of the topics, how particular sociologists/criminologists’ applied particular qualitative research methods to specific topics in order that students gain a richer and more detailed understanding of what kinds of knowledge using a particular research method can generate about everyday life.

Across the module, students will engage in tasks as part of their learning that allows them to develop crucial competencies and research skills (such as critical thinking, note taking, writing, avoiding plagiarism and referencing).

Individual tutorial support will be provided on request and students will be encouraged to seek individual tutorial guidance if required.

Students will be given informal feedback about their progress during lectures and workshops.

Undertake revision in preparation for the MCT.

Independent research of a specific career that a sociology or criminology graduate might pursue on graduation.

Bryman, A., (2012). Social Research Methods. Fourth edition. Oxford. Oxford University press

May, T., (2011). Social Research, Issues, Methods and Process. Fourth Edition. Buckingham. Open University Press

Corbetta, P., (2003). Social Research. Theory, Methods and Technique. Translated from the Italian – B Patrick. London. Sage

Ritchie, J., Lewis, J., McNaughton Nicholls, C., and Ormston, R., (2014). Qualitative Research Practice, A guide for Social Science Students and Researchers. London. Sage

Mason, J., (2018). Qualitative Researching. Third Edition. London. Sage.

A flat lecture/workshop computer lab/room flexible enough for paired and small group work and a computer and projector for PowerPoint presentations.

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

1. Convey understanding of key features of different qualitative methods encountered on the module [knowledge/understanding]

2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding about what aspects of everyday life particular qualitative methods encountered on the module can be used to study
[knowledge/understanding]

3. Demonstrate knowledge of strengths and limitations of different qualitative methods [knowledge/understanding]

4. Demonstrate an ability to use a variety of career platforms and search engines to research a career that a sociology or criminology graduate could pursue
(Problem-Solving, Enquiry)

5. Demonstrate understanding of the kinds of skills, qualifications competencies and experiences needed for a particular career by writing a ‘career report’
(enquiry, application, communication)

This module introduces students to a variety of qualitative research methods and analytical techniques that researchers in Sociology and Criminology use to test social theory and study aspects of social life. Topics covered include; the epistemological approaches underpinning qualitative approaches and practicalities involved with generating qualitative research (e.g. sampling and recruitment). Specific qualitative methods covered on this module include: discourse analysis, introduction to approaches in in-depth interviews and elicitation techniques, methods for interviewing groups, ethnography and participant observation, using digital methods to study online communities, mixing quantitative and qualitative methods and introductory approaches to analysing qualitative data (e.g. grounded theory, thematic analysis, narrative analysis). Students will also learn the importance of carrying out research ethically through engagement with controversial and ethically ‘dubious’ sociological and criminological studies. Throughout, students are given the opportunity to use these various methods and techniques giving them an appreciation of the processes involved in generating sociological/criminological knowledge. Students will undertake the first of various tasks that starts them on a journey that encourages them to research and think about the skills, competencies and experiences they need to realise their career aspirations.