Module Provider: |
Psychology |
Number of credits: |
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
Level: |
M |
Terms in which taught: |
Spring |
Module Convenor: |
Dr
EP
Leman |
Pre-requisites: |
PYM0S1 PYM0S2
|
Co-requisites: |
|
Modules excluded: |
|
Module version for: |
2006/7 |
Aims:
This module offers students a grounding in the use of qualitative research methods in psychology. It examines the complementary roles of qualitative and quantitative approaches in psychological research and introduces key methods for collecting and analysing qualitative data. There will be a focus on applying qualitative methods alongside other research methods in psychology. |
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
describe the role of qualitative methods in psychological research in relation to other methodological approaches
describe and evaluate different methods for collecting data for qualitative analysis in psychology
outline the processes involved in conducting different forms of qualitative analysis including ethnographic research, Grounded Theory and discourse analysis
identify and apply appropriate qualitative method(s) in the analysis of data in psychology
employ basic knowledge of computer software for the organization and analysis of qualitative data
Assessment will be by coursework. Students conduct a piece of empirical research under direction from the module convenor. Data will be collected and presented in groups. Individuals will write a report of any analysis to be submitted for assessment. |
Additional outcomes:
The content of this module will be drawn upon in many parts of the programme, in practical assignments (PYM0RD, PYM0EP) and in theoretical or evaluative aspects of other modules. |
Outline content:
Introduction to qualitative methods in psychology, the complementary roles of qualitative and quantitative analysis; Collecting qualitative data, interviewing and focus group design; ethnography, Grounded Theory, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), discourse and conversation analysis; Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS); applying qualitative methods in psychological research; reporting qualitative research findings. |
Brief description of teaching
and learning methods:
Students will be given directed readings that they will be expected to have read before attending seminars. There will be 5 classes in total in weeks 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 of term. In week 6 groups will give a presentation of the plans for their coursework project. Classes will last around 3 hours and will consist of a formal and structured overview of the area followed a discussion in which students will be expected to participate. Most sessions will also involve a component of "hands on" analysis of qualitative data and discussion of the issues arising from applying particular qualitative methods. |
Contact hours:
| |
Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
|
6 |
|
| Tutorials/seminars |
|
6 |
|
| Practicals |
|
6 |
|
| Other contact (eg study visits) |
|
82 |
|
| |
|
|
|
| Total hours |
|
100 |
|
| |
|
|
|
| Number of essays or assignments |
|
1 |
|
| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
|
1 (group presentation of project plans) |
|
|
Assessment:
Coursework
Group project involving the collection and analysis of qualitative data. Groups will be required to give an oral presentation of their project plans in week 6 of term and individually to submit a written report of the study for assessment, due in week 1 of Summer term.
Relative percentage of coursework: 100%. All members of a group will be given a pass/fail for their project presentations. Providing the presentation component has been passed, marks for the written project report will constitute the marks for the course.
With respect to written assessments handed in to a deadline, the following is reproduced from University Guide to Assessment for Taught Postgraduate Students http://www.reading.ac.uk/Exams/guidepg.htm:
'The following penalties will be applied to coursework which is submitted after the deadline for submission:
(a) Minor pieces of work (defined as pieces of work counting for no more than 10% of the total credits for a module): Minor pieces of work which are submitted late will be treated as non-submitted work. A mark of zero will be recorded and included in the calculation of the mark for the module.
(b) Major pieces of work (defined as pieces of work counting for more than 10% of the total credits for a module): In the case of major pieces of work, 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline). Once this period has elapsed, a mark of zero will be recorded.
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 (whether by the deadline or before the expiry of the week's period of grace) rather than to fail to submit any work'.
Examinations
None.
Requirements for a pass
50%.
Reassessment arrangements
Your attention is drawn to the University of Reading's policies, at http://www.reading.ac.uk/Exams/guidepg.htm. |
staff
UoR Home