Postgraduate Course: Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods (GLHE11017)
Course Outline
| School | Deanery of Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences |
College | College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
| Course type | Online Distance Learning |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | Qualitative research is concerned with developing explanations of social phenomena, it aims to help us to understand the world in which we live and why things are the way they are. It is concerned with the social aspects of our world and seeks to answer questions about:
- Why people behave the way they do
- How opinions and attitudes are formed
- How people are affected by the events that go on around them
- How and why cultures have developed in the way they have
- The differences between social groups.
This course provides an introduction to qualitative research methods. Underlying approaches will be examined and then different methods will be looked at in more detail. Practical components will be incorporated into the course, such as carrying out in-depth interviews and participating in class exercises and discussions. Students will be expected to do background reading on the topics. Students will also learn how to analyse qualitative data, what some of the challenges of mixing methods are and how to appraise published qualitative research. |
| Course description |
Qualitative research is concerned with developing explanations of the social world. It can help us to understand how people experience different aspects of that social world and how they respond to it i.e. what they feel, think and do.
Understanding experiences and behaviour in a way that is embedded in social reality is essential to public health practice. People are the subject of public health and qualitative research aims to better understand people as individuals who are situated in, and influenced by, their social context.
Our aim during this introductory course is for you to understand the core ideas, processes and activities underpinning the qualitative approach to researching the social world and for you to be able to identify aspects of rigour and quality in studies carried out by other researchers. This knowledge will allow you to critically appraise and use qualitative research in relation to public health practice and provides a grounding for further study of qualitative methods during the MPH programme.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | Students are responsible for meeting their own computing and internet access costs. |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2022/23, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Flexible |
| Course Start Date |
08/08/2022 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
98 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Feedback |
Not entered |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Recognise the contribution that qualitative research methods make to the knowledge base for public health practice
- Describe the principles and processes that underpin qualitative research
- Apply the concepts of rigour for qualitative research and justify the use of qualitative research findings in public health practice
- Demonstrate the ability to reflect on your views and ideas and be transparent about where they come from
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Keywords | qualitative research,qualitative data,research methods |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Ms Annemieke Bikker
Tel: (0131 6)50 2679
Email: |
Course secretary | Mrs Rosemary Porteous
Tel: (0131 6)50 9835
Email: |
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