Postgraduate - UnitAPG5681 - Qualitative research strategies

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2012 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

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12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

Level	Postgraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Arts
Offered	Caulfield First semester 2012 (Evening)
Coordinator(s)	Dr Sian Supski

Notes

Previously coded SYM5005

Synopsis

This unit provides students with a broad introduction to the history, philosophy and practice of qualitative social research. It is designed to familiarise students with a variety of qualitative research methods used in disciplines including sociology. These include participant observation, in-depth interviewing and qualitative content analysis. We will also examine a range of theoretical and methodological issues involved in conducting qualitative research and consider some of the critiques and limitations of qualitative techniques. The meaning and significance of both ethics and reflexivity in research practice are also explored. Students completing the unit will also develop practical skills in conducting qualitative social research.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit students will have:

An appreciation of the history, philosophy and practice of qualitative social research;
An understanding of a range of methods used in qualitative social research;
An awareness of some of the key issues, debates and controversies associated with conducting qualitative research, and an appreciation of the complexity of conducting such research;
An appreciation of the meaning and role of both ethics and reflexivity in qualitative social research; and
The ability to practically undertake some kinds of qualitative social research.