Module Code - Title:
PS6042
-
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The key aims of the module are to introduce students to qualitative methods generally and to a range of specific qualitative methods; to highlight key epistemological differences between different qualitative research paradigms and methods; and to emphasize the importance of fitting specific research methods to research questions.
Syllabus:
The module assumes familiarity with the basic concepts of quantitative research design and data analysis in psychology and critiques these, exploring how different views of the world enable us to use data in different ways. Specific qualitative methods are covered in detail, distinguishing between methods that are primarily realist (treating qualitative data as straightforward representations of how the world really is) or constructionist (exploring how qualitative data represent processes through which the social world is actively constructed by people). The module depends heavily on students' engagement with data and methods to achieve learning objectives.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
• On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
• Understand the philosophical (ontological and epistemlogical) underpinnings of qualitative research;
• Differentiate between different specific techniques for qualitative enquiry;
• Be able to select and apply appropriate qualitative research methods to particular research questions;
• Be able to defend the use of specific qualitative research methods.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students should
• Be able to value the contribution of qualitative methods to psychological research and its applications
• Be confident in applying qualitative research methods.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
As this is an advanced postgraduate degree, students will be expected to learn independently by reading prescribed material prior to each lecture. 'Lectures' will be used to integrate course readings and get hands-on experience with methods. Practical experience with qualitative methods, including class assignments, are a core part of the learning experience for this module.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Creswell, J. W. and Plano Clark, V. L. (2006)
Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research
, London: Sage Publications
Creswell, J. W. and Plano Clark, V. L. (2008)
The Mixed Methods Reader
, London: Sage Publications
Graziano, A. M. and Raulin, M. L. (2010)
Research methods, a process of inquiry
(seventh edition).
, Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
sarah.jay@ul.ie