ATS3597 - Qualitative social research - 2017

Ethnographic research is the art and science of describing a group or culture. It involves the studying groups and/or individuals as they go about their daily lives. A central premise of this unit is that the ethnographer enters the field with an open mind, but not an empty head. Before engaging with their subjects, the ethnographer begins with a problem, a theory or model, a research design, specific data collection techniques, tools of analysis, and often specific writing style. The unit examines in detail each of these activities and traces their implications for research and the researcher.

By the time students complete this unit, they will be able to:

1. ascertain what research methods are appropriate for particular theoretical issues that they wish to explore;
2. understand the uses and limitations of qualitative research;
3. gain expertise on how to establish a qualitative research framework;
4. understand the strengths and limitations of using the computer to analyse qualitative data.

   In addition for third level: students will become proficient in the use of one computer program to analyse qualitative data.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Michelle Duffy

ATS1367 and ATS1898 or SCY1802 or equivalents

SCY2816, ATS2597