RESM 6003 Qualitative Methods I: Assessment Answer

University of Southampton SCDTP

RESM 6003 [CRN31924]

QUALITATIVE METHODS I

(10 CATS/5 ECTS)

2018/19

Semester 2 

AIMS

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the role and application of qualitative methods within social science research. The module will include a focus on the issues which arise in the generation, analysis and evaluation of qualitative data, as well as experience of using computer-assisted methods of qualitative data analysis.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of this module, you should be able to: 

• Describe the defining characteristics of key qualitative research methods and have an overview of various types of data collection
• Appreciate epistemological and ethical issues involved in qualitative research
• Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of specific methods
• Understand the principles of Computer Aided Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS)

KEY TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to:

• Make informed decisions about choosing and using appropriate qualitative data collection and analysis methods
• Evaluate the methods and methodology employed in qualitative research
• Effectively read and summarise literature on qualitative research methods to construct arguments about their value and application
• Use CAQDAS to code qualitative data
• Actively contribute to seminar discussions

ASSESSMENT

This module is assessed through ONE piece of coursework: 

• Evaluation of the methods used in a published qualitative study, with a word limit of 3000 words (excluding references). 100% of total mark.

The deadline for this assignment is: Thursday 14^th March 2019. 

You should submit an electronic version of your written coursework via the Turnitin link on the RESM 6003 Blackboard page before midnight (23.59). 

Full details are provided on the last page of this module guide. 

Any late submission leads to penalties (please check your Graduate Student Handbook) if no extension has been granted beforehand.  

If for any reason you require an extension on your coursework must seek approval prior to the submission date.  To apply for an extension, you must complete an extensions form and provide evidence. The form can be downloaded from:

http://www.southampton.ac.uk/quality/assessment/special_considerations.page

You can give the completed form either to the School Office or attach it to an email which needs to be sent to SSPC.StudentOffice@soton.ac.uk

ASSESSMENT

Appraisal of the methods used for a qualitative study from the list of articles below. 100% of total mark

With reference to relevant methodological literature and debates, your task is to write:

1. a brief overview of the research aims, a description of the methods used, and the main findings reported in the paper that you have selected;
2. a discussion of why a qualitative research approach has been chosen for the research question/s posed in the study;
3. an extended appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of the method/s used* in the research, focusing in particular on its/their appropriateness to the project’s key research question/s and the robustness of the claims made in the article; 
4. a consideration of the potential contribution that another qualitative method could make to the research in question, discussing its strengths and weakness.

*  Note:  You are evaluating the method adopted for the study, not the research quality overall.  Focus on discussing the method in your assignment.  For example, think about whether the data was collected in a way that addressed the research issue.  See also the note on ‘bias’ below.

Please select one article from the relevant list for your evaluation. All articles are available electronically through the Library:

• Checkland, K., Dam, R., Hammond, J., Coleman, A., Segar, J., Mays, N. and Allen, P. (2018) Being autonomous and having space in which to act: commissioning in the ‘New NHS’ in England, Journal of Social Policy. 47(2): 377-395
• Smith-Carrier, T., Pham, T-N., Akhtars, S., Seddon, G., Nowaczynski, M. and Shina, S.K. (2018) ‘It’s not just the word care, it’s the meaning of the word … (they) actually care’: caregivers’ perceptions of home-based primary care in Toronto, Ontario, Ageing and Society 38(10): 2019-2040.
• Meghji, A. and Saini, R. (2018) Rationalising racial inequality: ideology, hegemony and post-racialism among the Black and South Asian middle classes, Sociology 52(4): 671-687.

Word limit: 3000 words (excluding references).  

Your work will be overlength if you go even one word over this stipulated length.  Overlength work will be assessed through marking only that portion of work that falls within the word limit, with the result that your mark usually will be lowered.

Please indicate word length at the end of your written coursework, and submit it via the Turnitin link on the RESM 6003 Blackboard page. 

Please ensure you have kept reasonable margins and with print in font size 12.