Related Course/s:

A unit of study in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts (Sociology), Bachelor of Arts (Sustainability Management), Bachelor of Community Health, Bachelor of Social Science, Bachelor of Social Science (Community Health), Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology), Community Health co-major, Sociology co-major and minor and Sustainability Management co-major and minor.

Aims & Objectives:

To develop students’ mastery of the principles and skills required in designing and planning for a qualitative social research project, including basic mastery of a range of qualitative research techniques and competent evaluation of the work of other researchers

After completing this unit, students are expected to understand how theory shapes practical, useful qualitative sociological research.

Students are expected to develop their skills in:

§         Working with a range of commonly used qualitative social research methods

§         Independently formulating a research proposal that is attentive to the ethical, feasibility and political issues characteristic of ‘real-life’ research settings

§         Articulating a thorough understanding of one research method through the systematic planning of a research project

§         Undertaking appropriate data analysis in the testing of research questions and development of research arguments

§         Taking a professional approach to project planning and development, through oral presentation of work-in-progress, attention to time management principles and constructive peer review of work

§         Evaluating the effectiveness of the project process and articulate strategies for improvement.

Teaching Methods:

This unit is project-based, and activities and resources are designed to support the project process. Students are expected to work independently to gather materials and develop skills that help them to fulfill the requirements of the research proposal project task. Academic staff provide guidance to individuals and groups, with the goal of developing project management and self-directed learning skills. Lectures and tutorials will be the primary method of delivery.

Learning activities are designed to support the project process, and may include:

§       Class-based group activities.

§       A group-work project.

§       Independent library research.

§       Peer discussions and feedback sessions.

§       Oral presentation of work-in-progress.

Assessment:

• Unobtrusive methods exercise (15%)
• Draft section of research proposal (10%)
• Group exercise (25%); Research Proposal (40%)
• Evaluation of methods, discussion and peer review (10%)

Generic Skills Outcomes:

The graduate attributes which relate to this unit help to produce graduates who are:

§         Capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas

§         Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community

§         Effective and ethical in work and community situations

§         Adaptable and able to manage change

§         Aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (eg socio-cultural, economic, natural)

Content:

The content of this unit is designed to support the project process, and may vary according to the projects students are actually doing. Topics are likely to include:

§       The Foundations of Qualitative Research.

§       The Ethics & Politics of Social Research.

§       Designing Qualitative Research.

§       Writing a Literature Review.

§       Conducting Qualitative Research using Diverse Strategies.

§       Data Analysis.

§       Writing a Research Proposal.

Reading Materials:

Liamputtong, P. & Ezzy, D., Qualitative Research Methods, OxfordUniversity Press, South Melbourne, 2005.