Qualitative Social Research Methods 1

Unit code:APS2030Study level:Undergraduate

Credit points

12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)

Location

Footscray Park
Online Real Time

Prerequisites

APP1013 - Psychology 1B
ABSW students undertaking this unit must have completed 192 credit points of core ABSW Year 1 and Year 2 units.
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)

Overview

This unit of study develops students' ability to conceptualise, appraise, plan and conduct qualitative research. The philosophical background to social research and appropriate theoretical frameworks are presented. Studies that exemplify qualitative research principles and processes, drawn from disciplines including psychology, sociology, gender studies and education are explored. Students will have the opportunity to design and manage a small-scale qualitative project. On completion of this unit of study students will be able to: assess the contribution made by qualitative research methods and the ways in which they may be used in social research; differentiate between common qualitative research approaches and methods; conceptualise the various design elements in qualitative studies including methods, sampling, analysis and presentation.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

Appraise the values, principles and assumptions that underpin different forms of research;
Discriminate between theoretical frameworks and methods used in qualitative research;
Collaborate in designing and conducting, a qualitative research project in an ethical and professional manner; and
Critically review literature and interpret research project findings in relation to literature base.