PSY469 Qualitative Research Methods (8)

This subject aims to facilitate students understanding of the differing epistemological and methodological assumptions underpinning different approaches to qualitative research.

Qualitative research spans a broad range of historical, theoretical and contextual assumptions and in this subject students are exposed to various paradigms in qualitative research. By the end of the subject, students should be able critically to evaluate a broad range of approaches to qualitative research and published material. The subject engages students in a range of qualitative methods and methods of analysis, giving students practical experience in carrying out qualitative research. It also introduces students to critical bodies of work such as feminist and Indigenous Australian perspectives including those of other First Nations peoples, all of which have had significant and valuable impacts on qualitative research and psychology.

Availability

Session 2 (60)
Online
Bathurst Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: PSY469. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Psychology

Enrolment Restrictions

Students may not complete PSY469 and PSY309 in the same award.

Assumed Knowledge

PSY451 and (PSY452 or PSY453 or PSY454 or PSY458)

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to describe and evaluate epistemological philosophical frameworks of qualitative research in psychology;
  • be able to critically evaluate a range of qualitative research theories and methodologies and the ethical and reflexive elements of these;
  • be able to critically evaluate techniques and procedures for carrying out research methods and put these methods into practice;
  • be able to understand and evaluate the contribution of critical bodies of work such as feminist and Indigenous Australian perspectives including those of other First Nations peoples to qualitative research and psychology;
  • be able to conduct research using qualitative research techniques;
  • be able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research findings; and
  • be able to critically evaluate and produce written accounts of qualitative research.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Epistemology: historical, philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of qualitative research in psychology
  • Ethics: critical reflection of ethical issues and considerations in qualitative research
  • Reflexivity: critical and theoretical interrogation of the socially constructed nature of selves and the place of subjectivity in psychological research
  • Methodology: assumptions and principles of design and theoretical approaches to qualitative research methods
  • Methods and analyses: designing qualitative research, producing and managing data, interpreting and analysing data text
  • Critical methodologies including feminist and Indigenous Australian perspectives including those of other First Nations peoples to qualitative research and psychology
  • Producing knowledge: writing and evaluating qualitative research

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of PSY469 in Session 2 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Research agreement
0
2
Qualitative research proposal
20
3
Qualitative research analysis
40
4
Online exam
40
5
Reflexive journal
0

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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