This course provides a broad overview of the theory of qualitative research, and examines the basic skills involved in the application of these methods in social research, demography and population studies. Qualitative methods are defined, and their uses and limitations explored. Qualitative methods are compared with quantitative methods, and approaches to the integration of qualitative data are reviewed. Strong emphasis is given to practical exercises in the collection, analysis and reporting of qualitative data. In analyzing textual data, the use of NVivo will be introduced.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- understand and explain the following: the theoretical underpinnings of qualitative methods; the strengths and limitations of qualitative methods; how qualitative methods can be used as a combined method with quantitative methods in social research, demography and population studies research;
- conduct participant observation, develop an observation sheet, analyse and report the results;
- conduct an in-depth interview, develop in-depth interview guidelines, analyse and report the results;
- conduct a focus group discussion (FGD), develop FGD guidelines, analyse and report the results; and
- understand data gathering and data analysis in qualitative research; management and analysis of qualitative data; and how to write up the results of qualitative research.
Indicative Assessment
- Assignment I. Observation. 10 minute oral presentation (15) [LO 1,2,5]
- Assignment 1 observation sheet and notes, 700 words (5) [LO 1,2,5]
- Project assignment and report II: In-depth Interview. 2500 words (35) [LO 1,3,5]
- Project assignment and report III: Focus Group Discussion. 10 minute oral presentation in class-group work. (10) [LO 1,4,5]
- Project assignment and report III: Focus Group Discussion. Individual report, 2500 words (35) [LO 1,4,5]
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Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of workshop and workshop-like activities.
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
nil
Preliminary Reading
Berg, L.B. 2004. Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences, Fifth Edition Allyn and Bacon, USA;Denzin, N.K. and Y.S. Lincoln. 1998. ‘Introduction: Entering the Field of Qualitative Research’, in N.K. Denzin and Y.S. Lincoln (eds.), Strategies of Qualitative Inquiry, Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $5580 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
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Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2884 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | View |