ADVANCED QUALITATIVE METHODS

BUS5AQM

2019

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

This subject will equip you with the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills to design and execute an ethically-sound qualitative research study. The subject will enhance your knowledge of the varied philosophical underpinnings, and methodological approaches to conceiving and designing qualitative research (e.g., using case studies, or ethnographies). Subsequent topics to be covered include: 1) How to write good qualitative research objectives and questions; 2) Common and innovative qualitative research methods -interviewing & focus groups, observational techniques, visual research methods, social media-based research; 3) How to record, store and manage data; 4) Approaches to qualitative data analysis (e.g., coding & categorisation, grounded theory development, discourse analysis); 5) Researcher ethics and reflexivity; 6) How to write up qualitative research.

School: La Trobe Business School

Credit points: 15

Subject Co-ordinator: Jennifer Frost

Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes

Subject year level: Year Level 5 - Masters

Exchange Students: Yes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites: Students must be enrolled in a research or higher degree in Business that includes a thesis component (LHCOM, LDPH, LMBR, LMCR, LMER) or by subject coordinator approval.

Co-requisites: N/A

Incompatible subjects: N/A

Equivalent subjects: N/A

Special conditions: N/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsQualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five ApproachesPrescribedJohn Creswell (2013)Sage, 3rd edition, ISBN 9781412995306

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Examine and critique the range of assumptions, approaches, techniques and debates which make up the qualitative research tradition

Activities:
Seminars, readings, class discussions
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)

02. Apply high-level skills in qualitative data collection, storage, and analysis using varied data gathering and analytical techniques.

Activities:
Seminars, readings, class discussions and assessment items.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)

03. Utilise high-level writing and critical thinking skills to present qualitative research findings

Activities:
Seminars, readings, class discussions and assessment items.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)

04. Demonstrate awareness of key ethical issues in qualitative research.

Activities:
Seminars, readings, class discussions and both assessment items.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Personal and Professional Skills(Ethical behaviour)

Melbourne, 2019, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information:

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Jennifer Frost

Class requirements

SeminarWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours seminar per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
One 2500 word individual assignment (design and conduct qualitative interview)4001, 03, 04
One 2500 word individual assignment (data transcription, analysis and write-up)4001, 02, 03, 04
One 1000 word individual reflexive written assignment (on elements 1 and 2)2001, 04