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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Qualitative Research Skills & Analysis
Module Code PSYC201 (ITS) / PSY1024 (Banner)
Faculty Science & Health School Psychology
Module Co-ordinatorRichard Lombard Vance
Module Teachers-
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Coursework Only
Description

This module builds on “Psychology Research Skills 1a/b” in year 1 and introduces students to more advanced qualitative research methodologies, designs and analytical techniques in psychology.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss qualitative and mixed method research designs and methods, and assess their strengths and limitations
2. Be aware of qualitative analytical techniques such as content and thematic analysis
3. Be proficient in identifying the limitations of specific methodologies and in understanding the relative merits of qualitative approaches to an identified research question
4. Discuss ethical implications of a research design
5. Think critically about research and apply the skills involved in reviewing to understand the strengths and weaknesses of design, methods, analysis and conclusion
6. Use advanced searching skills to effectively use library and online psychology resources



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture10No Description
Laboratory20Synchronous/Face-to-Face Practical classes (10 classes)
Tutorial2Synchronous/Face-to-Face Tutorial
Online activity5Asynchronous MCQs
Independent Study44Preparation and write up of CA
Independent Study44Preparing for exam
Total Workload: 125

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

Advanced information literacy skills

Qualitative Data Collection Techniques

Preparing for Qualitative Analysis

Qualitative analysis using NVIVO computer software

Mixed Methods

Grounded theory

Phenomenology

Ethnography

Case study

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment50% Examination Weight50%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Report(s)Write-up of one practical report50%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories:
Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module.
Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Braun, V & Clarke, V.: 2013, Successful Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide for Beginners, Sage, London, 9781847875822
  • Willig, C.: 2008, Introducing qualitative research in psychology: Adventures in theory and method, Open University Press, Maidenhead, 9780335221158
  • Willig, C.: 2012, Qualitative interpretation and analysis in psychology, Open University Press, London, 978-033524141
  • Banyard, P., & Grayson, A.: 2000, ). Introducing psychological research: Seventy studies that shape psychology, 2nd, Palgrave, Basingstoke,
  • Camis, P. M., Yardley, L. & Rhodes, J.E.: 2003, Qualitative Research in Psychology: expanding perspectives in methodology and design., APA, Washington DC,
  • Charmaz, K.: 2014, Constructing grounded theory: A practical guide through qualitative analysis., Sage, London,
  • Creswell, J. W.: 2008, Research design: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed method approaches, 3rd, Sage., London,
  • Flick, U.: 2009, An Introduction to Qualitative Research, 4th, Sage Publications, 9781847873231
  • Gomm, R.: 2008, Social research methodology: A critical introduction, 2nd, Palgrave Macmillan., Basingstoke,
  • Haslam, S. A., & McGarty, C.: 2003, Research methods and statistics in psychology., London, UK & Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 0761942939
  • Hayes, N.: 2000, Doing psychological research: Gathering and analyzing data, Open University Press, Buckingham, 0335203795
  • Morse, J., Swanson, J. M., & Kuzel, A.J. (Eds): 2001, The nature of qualitative evidence, Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage publications., 0761922849
  • Shaughnessy, J.: 2012, Research Methods in Psychology, 9th, McGraw-Hill, New York,
  • Smith, J. A, Larkin, M., & Flowers, P.: 2009, Interpretative phenomenological analysis: Theory, method and research, Sage, London, 9781412908344
  • Sternberg, R. J. & Sternberg, K.: 2010, The Psychologist’s Companion: a guide to writing scientific papers for students and researchers., 5th, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 0521144825
  • White, P.: 2008, Developing Research Questions, 9781403998156
  • Yin, R.K. (Ed): 2009, Case Study Research: Design and Methods, 4th, Sage, London, 9781412960991
Other Resources

None
Readings will be supplemented by items such as journal articles, readers in psychology, and material prepared for lectures and practical sessions.

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