Module: Qualitative Research Skills & Analysis

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Qualitative Research Skills & Analysis
Module Code	PSY1024 (ITS: PSYC201)
Faculty	Psychology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	10	No Description
Laboratory	20	Synchronous/Face-to-Face Practical classes (10 classes)
Tutorial	2	Synchronous/Face-to-Face Tutorial
Online activity	5	Asynchronous MCQs
Independent Study	44	Preparation and write up of CA
Independent Study	44	Preparing for exam
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	21288	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Richard Lombard Vance	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Report(s)	Write-up of one practical report	50%	n/a
Formal Examination	n/a	50%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	p,
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None

Readings will be supplemented by items such as journal articles, readers in psychology, and material prepared for lectures and practical sessions.