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This course introduces students to a range of qualitative research methods emphasising both conceptual appreciation and technical competence. Students are encouraged to think critically in terms of applicability for developing ethical evaluation models within diverse contexts/settings.
Qualitative research is a form of inquiry that seeks to understand how individuals make sense of their experiences and their ‘worlds’. This requires an interpretive, flexible and fluid approach because the focus is on meaning and interpretation. Qualitative enquiry can allow the researcher to be able to hear the voices and view the worlds of those who are silenced, ‘othered’ and marginalised. This approach to research has been adopted extensively in the social sciences and social work. There is a growing interest within social work and human services in terms of the role that qualitative research strategies can play in practice and policy development. Largely in response to demands by funding agencies for accountability, human services have begun to examine more closely their performance, efficacy, and cost effectiveness drawing on qualitative research strategies. This course will begin by introducing students to the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research, including methodological frameworks, theories, and controversies. Next, students will learn about practical issues encountered in community research and when undertaking programme or service evaluation. Those practical issues include ethics of the research process; navigating cultures and insider/outsider perspectives; data gathering via documents, interviews, and focus groups; and analysing data. Students are encouraged to think critically in terms of applicability for developing ethical community and evaluation research models within diverse contexts/settings.COURSE AIMS:• To introduce students to a range of qualitative methodological frameworks and research methods • To introduce students to the art and practice of programme evaluation and community research.• To critically engage with current research trends and their application in human service settings• To promote an action-based process of learning whereby students can directly experience qualitative research practice, and the process of planning and developing a research proposal for community and evaluation research.
During the course you will Feel confident to embark on a research project for the first time Be able to examine a range of research strategies and methods, evaluate and assess the appropriateness and applicability for developing ethical research models within diverse contexts/settings. Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements of key ethical principles for social research Ability to competently produce a research proposal and ethics application
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
SOWK621/HSRV421
Raewyn Tudor
Liamputtong, Pranee; Qualitative Research Methods ; 4th edition; Oxford University Press, 2013.
Learn Academic Integrity Guidance for Staff and Students Referencing for Social Work & Humans Services Using EndNote for referencing Writing guides for Social Work & Human Services Library Guides
Domestic fee $942.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Language, Social and Political Sciences .