PYM0QQ-Applying Qualitative Methods in Psychological Research

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: PYM0S1 Data Collection and Analysis 1 and PYM0S2 Data Collection and Analysis 2 or PYMFCR Clinical Research Methods or PYMCRMP Research Methods and Data Analysis (Conversion)
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Kate Harvey
Email: k.n.harvey@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The purpose of this module is to inform students about the approaches used in qualitative research.

Aims:

This module offers students a grounding in qualitative research methods. It examines the complementary roles of qualitative and quantitative approaches in psychological research and introduces key methods for collecting and analysing qualitative data. Criteria for evaluating the rigour of qualitative research are considered. Students will gain practical knowledge of key methods.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

1. describe qualitative approaches to psychological research in relation to other methodological approaches


2. describe methods of collecting qualitative data


3. outline the processes involved in conducting qualitative analysis


4. understand rigour and be able to evaluate qualitative research

Additional outcomes:

The content of this module will equip students with knowledge and experience required to undertake qualitative research (relevant to PYM0EP) and evaluate qualitative research (relevant to all other modules).

Outline content:

Session 1: Introduction to qualitative methods in psychology

Session 2: Qualitative methods of data collection

Session 3: Qualitative methods of data analyses

Session 4: Rigour in qualitative research

Session 5: Portfolio support

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A blended approach is taken to teaching and learning, with online materials supporting in-person teaching.  Students will be expected to engage with screencasts and reading in advance of seminars so that the seminars can be more discursive.  Each seminar includes “hands-on”, formative activities, designed to develop the skills required for the assignment. Students should expect to participate in large group discussions and small group activities.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	15
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	10
Wider reading (directed)	30
Preparation for seminars	8
Carry-out research project	35
Reflection	2
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
none

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will conduct a small research project addressing a research question of their choice which will require the collection and analysis of qualitative data. Further information will be provided at the start of the module.  The project will be presented as a portfolio of four assignments.

Formative assessment methods:

Students will submit and receive feedback on a project outline early in the module.  The final seminar will provide students with the opportunity to obtain feedback on the project they are conducting and/or their portfolio.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy “Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes”, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50%

Reassessment arrangements:

If a student fails the assignment, an alternative, equivalent assignment can be submitted.  The assignment and date of submission will be by arrangement with the Module Convenor and/or Programme Director. Students should note however that, given the University regulations on failing credits, it may not be in their interests to resubmit the coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: None

2) Specialist equipment or materials: None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 30 March 2023