DEMO8020
Qualitative Research Analysis
Co-ordinator – TBA
Units: 6
Option for MSR (Social Research Methods)
Elective MSR
Prerequisite: DEMO8061 Social Research Design
Note: students not enrolled in the Master of Social Research or the Graduate Certificate in Social Research require permission of the Masters Coordinator, Dr Robert Ackland, to enrol in this course. Please contact him on adsri.study@anu.edu.au.
Syllabus
This course equips participants with the necessary skills to analyse and interpret qualitative data to answer research and policy questions. Building on the skills developed in DEMO8061 Social Research Design, students will learn how to use text-analysis software, how to interpret and discuss the results of their data analysis, and the process of writing and publishing qualitative research. Teaching is provided through lectures, tutorials and computer training sessions. This course will provide students with the skills necessary to undertake, or assess, complex qualitative research.
Assessment
In-class exercises, written assignment, class presentation and final exam.
In-class exercises will be used to familiarise students with textual-analysis software. The assignment will allow students to work on and write up small individual qualitative research projects. The presentation gives students the opportunity to report orally on their projects. The written examination will test students' understanding of the issues covered in the course lectures and readings and their ability to think critically about these issues.
Student Skills Objectives
At the end of the course students will be:
- familiar with the strengths of qualitative research,
- familiar with the practical processes required in progressing from data collection to data analysis,
- able to analyse transcribed indepth interviews, focus groups and other forms of qualitative data using textual-analysis software, and
- able to discuss and write up findings from qualitative analysis.
