Qualitative Research Design and Methods

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Critically appraise the credibility and dependability of qualitative approaches within a research project
• Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a specified methodology in relation to a research question
• Identify the ethical implications of specific qualitative research strategies
• Apply and understand techniques used to analyse qualitative data analysis
• Demonstrate your research skills by formulating a research question appropriate for qualitative research
• Demonstrate an understanding of the selection and application of appropriate qualitative methods and the ways in which qualitative data can be collected

The module will introduce the defining characteristics of qualitative research, its philosophical foundations and what it can contribute to understanding health care. A range of qualitative data collection methods will be covered and these sessions will include discussion of the credibility, dependability and transferability of qualitative research, the advantages and disadvantages of different methods, sampling, and the practical and ethical issues in using qualitative research methods in healthcare. The module will also cover data analysis. The module will draw on examples of qualitative research from the UK and international literature. Indicative content will include:

1. Understanding qualitative methodology – including epistemological and philosophical foundations, underpinning qualitative approaches

2. Formulating healthcare research questions that are appropriate to qualitative inquiry

3. Selecting appropriate qualitative methods to address research question(s)

4. Key qualitative data collection methods (e.g. Qualitative interviewing; Focus groups, Ethnography, observation and visual methods; documentary analysis) and practising interviewing techniques

5. Sampling, recruitment and practical considerations in conducting qualitative research

6. Identifying the ethical implications of specific qualitative research strategies

7. Critical appraisal: assessing quality and rigour in qualitative research (credibility, dependability and transferability)

8. Understanding the main approaches to qualitative data analysis (such as thematic analysis, constant comparison and framework), and gaining practical experience of employing these to develop interpretation/theory

9. A practical workshop using qualitative data analysis software (e.g. NVivo)

10. Techniques for presentation and writing-up findings, including considerations for publishing qualitative research

Teaching sessions are designed and facilitated by research active staff from across the Faculty. You will learn collaboratively and inter-professionally throughout the module. The taught sessions are shared with students from doctoral training programme.

Active student participation in all learning activities of the module will be promoted so that you will assume responsibility for your own learning.

A range of student-centred learning and teaching strategies will be employed that will include the use of practical workshops, interactive lectures by key experts in their field, tutor and student-led seminars, and independent supported learning.

To support your learning throughout the module, material and resources and course documentation and further reading suggestions will be available via Blackboard - the University’s web-based managed learning environment.

Teaching methods include:

Lectures, seminar discussion following the lecture, workshops and independent study.

Learning activities include:

• Seminar discussions
• Working in small groups to practice aspects of research e.g. formulating research questions, practising interview techniques
• Practical computer workshop

Formative feedback from the tutor and student peers will be a key component of the learning environment to ensure that you can move forward in your learning.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Individual written plan

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: The plans will be reviewed by the tutor and generic feedback will be provided
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.