Module: Qualitative Methods for Social Sciences

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Qualitative Methods for Social Sciences
Module Code	PR9011
School	School of Law & Government
Module Teacher	No Teacher Assigned
NFQ level		Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

None

Description

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate one's philosophical stance/world view and the extent to which this 'fits with' the quantitative approach, in general, and the specific methodologies and strategies used in his/her research study.
2. Evaluate and explore a range of qualitative research methods (Document analysis, Discourse analysis, Ethnography, Interviews and Focus Groups, Participant Observation, Secondary Analysis, Thematic Analysis, Narrative Analysis) that are used in Social Science Research and in the development of social policy in a range of contexts.
3. Explain and craft appropriate and informed responses to key issues in qualitative inquiry (Sample size, sampling bias, Hawthorne Effect, Observation Biases, Observer-Expectancy Effect. Selection of appropriate analytical frameworks; interpretation - significance, inferences, cultural bias; trustworthiness (credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability).
4. Code and input qualitative data correctly and efficiently
5. Analyse, interpret and report accurately and appropriately the findings of qualitative inquiry.
6. Identify and analyse an example of the use of qualitative research in policy development in context aligned to their own professional experience.
7. Consider and reflect on ethical issues in qualitative research and the application of qualitative approaches in policy development.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Total Workload: 0

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

None

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Presentation	Oral Presentation and defence of analysis to peer group.	20%	n/a
Research Paper	Students are required to undertake an analysis of a case study of the use of qualitative research in the development of a policy or suite of policies relevant to their own professional contexts. The analysis will include 1. Title 2. Introduction 3. Literature Review focused on qualitative data and research in policy-making 4. Policy history and context 5. Overview of the application of qualitative research to this policy context 6. Analysis using an appropriate framework 7. Discussion including limitations and strengths of the approach taken and implications for future policy development in the relevant sector 8. References, Appendices	80%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

MPP	MSc in Public Policy

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