Course overview
Qualitative research is concerned with exploring how people interpret and give meaning to their everyday worlds. This type of research is central to how we come to understand population health issues, as it provides historical and socio-cultural contexts for health and illness. This course comprises an introduction to the skills to review and conduct qualitative research. Students will learn how to recognise and reflect on the strengths and limitations of different qualitative research methodologies, understand the links between theory and practice, critically assess qualitative research, and address ethical and practical issues involved in conducting qualitative research. The course takes a step-by-step approach to the design and implementation of qualitative research and includes: formulating a qualitative research question; collecting, managing, and analysing qualitative data; writing and presenting qualitative findings; conducting ethical research, including writing ethics proposal for qualitative research projects. This course provides options to participate online for students unable to attend in person.
Course learning outcomes
- Outline characteristics of qualitative research in health
- Demonstrate the capacity to make informed ethical decisions about the conduct of qualitative research
- Recognise and describe the major theoretical perspectives and principles which inform qualitative research
- Identify the major research methods used in qualitative research, and critique the advantages and disadvantages of each
- Demonstrate skills in the practical dimensions of qualitative research, including designing a research activity, conducting interviews and observations, analysing and reporting on qualitative data
- Analyse key concepts, issues, and dilemmas associated with qualitative research.
- Review and critique qualitative research studies
- Use terminology for the field of qualitative research correctly and contextually with appropriate referencing
- Demonstrate ability to work and communicate effectively with others regarding qualitative research