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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2011 - 2012

Module Title Qualitative Research Methods
Module Code MT610
School DCUBS

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

The purpose of this module is for participants to acquire a detailed and critical understanding of the range of qualitative research and analytical methods. It will also develop the competence and confidence to conduct primary research at doctoral level employing qualitative methods, singly or in combination and to analyse the resulting data. In addition, the course will require participants to develop the reflexive skills to both evaluate and support the quality and strength of their findings.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the origins and scope of the principal qualitative methods used in humanities and business research
2. Assess the suitability of individual qualitative methods for specific research foci
3. Execute a substantial piece of primary research utilising qualitative methods, singly or in combination.
4. Analyse a body of qualitative data using one or more qualitative analytical approaches
5. Assess the quality of qualitative findings using appropriate research evaluation criteria.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24Seminar-based discussion of relevant topics
Independent Study8Researching relevant literature on qualitative methods
Independent Study40Conducting primary research and analysing findings
Independent Study53Writing up and reflexively evaluating findings
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

In-depth personal interviews

Focus groups: recruitment, management and analysis considerations

Ethnography

Introspection, photo-elicitation

Content Analysis

On-line modes of qualitative research

Discourse Analysis

Triangulation

Grounded Theory

Criteriology and qualitative findings

Qualitative research on sensitive topics

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
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
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • editors, Norman K. Denzin, Yvonna S. Lincoln: 2005, The SAGE handbook of qualitative research, Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, 9780761927570
  • Kvale, Steinar and Svend Brinkmann: 2009, Interviews: learning the craft of qualitative research interviewing, 2nd, Sage Publications, Los Angeles,
  • Maykut, Pamela and Richard Morehouse: 1994, Beginning Qualitative Research: A Philosophic and Practical Guide, Falmer Press, Washington, DC,
  • Mason, Jennifer: 2002, Qualitative Researching, 2nd., Sage, London,
  • Norman K. Denzin, Yvonna S. Lincoln, editors: 2000, Handbook of qualitative research, 2nd, Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, Calif., 0761915125
  • edited by Tim May: 2002, Qualitative research in action, SAGE, London, 0761960686
  • edited by Paul Atkinson ... [et al.].: 2001, Handbook of ethnography, Sage, London, 0761964819
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
AFPMMA
ALPDPhD
ALPTPhD-track
AMPDPhD
AMPMMSc
AMPTPhD-track
ARPTPhD-track
BSPDPhD
BSPMMaster of Business Studies
BSPTPhD-track
BTPDPhD
BTPMMSc
BTPTPhD-track
CAPDPhD
CAPTPhD-track
CHPDPhD
CHPMMaster of Science
CHPTPhD-track
CSPDPhD
CSPTPhD-track
ELPTPhD-Track
ESPDPhD
ESPTPhD-track
GTBSGraduate Training Visitor Program (BS)
HGPTPhD-track
LGPTPhD-track
MPBSMPhil (Business)
MPLGMPhil (Law & Government)
NSPDPhD
NSPMMSc
NSPTPhD-track
PDPBDBA
PHPDPhD
PHPMMSc
PHPTPhD-track
SFPDPhD
SFPMMSc
SSPDPhD
SSPMMSc
SSPTPhD-track
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