Lecture 1 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
Page 1: Introduction
Overview of Lecture
Course Code: PS20310
Date: 28th January 2025
Topic: Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
Instructor: Dr. Antonia Ivaldi
Page 2: Lecture Overview
Topics Discussed
Introduction to module
Reasons for conducting qualitative research
Key terms in qualitative research
Theoretical assumptions
Designing research questions
Timetable
Assignment project
Page 3: Learning Outcomes
Communicate knowledge of qualitative research theory in a report.
Apply qualitative methods to design and collect data informed by literature.
Select and conduct analysis methods using NVivo.
Conduct research ethically at all stages.
Apply quality criteria for qualitative research and maintain reflexive awareness.
Page 4: Importance of the Module
Significance
Essential preparation for dissertation
Key skills desired by employers
Helps shape dissertation direction
Last lab report before dissertation
Page 5: Why Conduct Qualitative Research?
Purpose of Qualitative Research
Discuss the significance of qualitative research methodologies.
Page 6: Key Terms in Qualitative Research
Inductive: Theory development from data.
Phenomenology: Individual perception of events.
Idiographic: In-depth individual studies.
Social Constructionism: Knowledge as constructed through interaction.
Reflexivity: Researcher’s influence on research outcomes.
Page 7: Theoretical Assumptions I
Realism vs. Relativism
Realism: Represents an objective reality (rejected by qualitative researchers).
Relativism: Acknowledges multiple constructed realities (rejected by quantitative researchers).
Page 8: Theoretical Assumptions II
Ontology and Epistemology
Ontology: Beliefs about reality.
Quantitative: One objective reality.
Qualitative: Multiple constructed realities.
Epistemology: Knowledge acquisition perspectives.
Realism: Knowledge is separate from perspective.
Relativism: Knowledge reflects perspectives.
Page 9: Key Differences in Qualitative Research
Aspect | Qualitative | Quantitative |
|---|---|---|
Information | Rich | Narrow |
Interpretation | Subjective | Objective |
Setting | Realistic/Naturalistic | Artificial |
Design | Non-structured | Highly structured |
Reliability | Low | High |
Reflexivity | High | Low/non-existent |
Page 10: Meaning, Experience, and Language
Phenomenology
Access inner states via spoken perspectives.
Methods include IPA, thematic analysis, narrative.
Language Influence
Language shapes our thoughts and worldviews.
Interest in language used to understand the world.
Methods include discourse analysis, conversation analysis.
Page 11: Designing Research Questions
Research Methodology
Research questions replace hypotheses in qualitative studies.
Must be grounded in existing literature.
Questions are exploratory and flexible but focused.
Use ‘What’ or ‘How’ for qualitative questions.
Questions may evolve during research.
Page 12: Timetable
Week | Topic |
|---|---|
1 | Module Introduction |
2 | Designing Qualitative Research |
3 | Learning Qualitative Skills |
4 | Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis I |
5 | Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis II |
6 | Discourse Analysis I |
7 | Discourse Analysis II |
8 | Writing Up Qualitative Research |
9-10 | Q&A, Assignment Drop-in |
11 | Final Lecture |
Page 13: Assessment
Assessment Criteria
2,500 word qualitative report.Key aspects assessed:
Research question appropriateness
Chosen qualitative method
Ethical considerations
Design of interview guide
Conducted interview
Interview transcription
Analysis of 4 interviews
Complete qualitative report write-up
Page 14: Choosing Your Topic
Suggested Topics
Importance of music in everyday life
Experiences of travel
Engaging with nature and outdoors
Page 15: Ensuring a Smooth Experience
Student Responsibilities
Read provided materials thoroughly.
Adhere to the timetable.
Attend and contribute regularly.
Report factors affecting attendance/engagement.
Maintain focus and engagement.
Page 16: References
Coolican, H. (2007). Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology. London: Hodder Education.
Sullivan, C. (2010). Theory and Method in Qualitative Research. In M.A. Forrester (ed.), Doing Qualitative Research in Psychology (pp. 15-38). London: Sage.