SOCI7015
Qualitative Research Methods
Offer semester
Lecture time
Lecture venue
Credits awarded
1st semester
Wednesday
19:00-21:50
CPD-1.21
6
What is qualitative research? What are its aims, and how is it conducted? How do we interpret the data we collect? What skills are essential to becoming a ‘good’ qualitative researcher?
This course addresses these fundamental questions by equipping students with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to conduct rigorous, ethical, and impactful research. We explore various methods of collecting verbal and nonverbal data, as well as approaches to coding and theory generation. Through both group and individual projects, students gain hands-on experience in data collection techniques such as in-depth interviews, observations, and visual research. By learning from experienced qualitative researchers, we examine common challenges and practical solutions, sharing valuable tips and strategies from experts around the world. The course also emphasizes developing effective ways to communicate research findings to diverse audiences.
Understand the fundamental principles and aims of qualitative research, including various data collection methods and approaches to theory development.
Develop practical skills in collecting, coding, and analysing verbal and nonverbal data through hands-on projects such as interviews, observations, and visual research.
Identify common challenges, practical and ethical, in qualitative research and apply practical strategies and techniques to address these issues effectively.
Develop the ability to communicate qualitative research findings clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
Tasks
Weighting
Individual Written Assessment 1
30%
Individual Written Assessment 2
30%
Group Project Poster
40%
Becker, H. S. (1998). Tricks of the trade: How to think about your research while you’re doing it. Chicago, Illinois: University of Chicago Press.
Hennink, M. M., Hutter, I., & Bailey, A. (2020). Qualitative research methods (2nd ed.). London: SAGE Publications.
Flick, U. (2022). An introduction to qualitative research (7th ed.). Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications.
O’Reilly, K. (2025). Qualitative Research Methods for Everyone: An Essential Toolkit. In Qualitative Research Methods for Everyone. Policy Press.
Babbie, E. R. (2021). The Practice of Social Research (15th ed.). Boston, Massachusetts: Cengage Learning.
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2017). Qualitative inquiry & research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). Los Angeles: SAGE Publications.
Denzin, N. K., Lincoln, Y. S., Glardina, M. D., & Cannella, G. S. (2023). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (6th ed.). Los Angeles: SAGE Publications.
Grønmo, S. (2019). Social Research Methods: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. Washington, D.C.: SAGE Publications.
Pauwels, L., & Manny, D. (Eds.) (2019). The SAGE Handbook of visual research methods (2nd ed.). London: SAGE Publications.
Sloan, L., & Quan-Haase, A. (Eds.) (2017). The SAGE handbook of social media research methods (2nd ed.). London: SAGE Publications.
Recommended Journals: Qualitative Inquiry, Qualitative Research, Qualitative Sociology, International Journal of Qualitative Methods Sociological Methods and Research Sociological Methodology.
Offer Semester | Lecture Day | Lecture Time | Venue | Credits awarded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1st semester | Wednesday | 19:00-21:50 | CPD-1.21 | 6 |
