Qualitative Research Methods
Overview
This unit provides a practical introduction to a broad range of qualitative research techniques. Based on the debates surrounding the various paradigms in qualitative research, the issues and implications of different qualitative research approaches will be addressed. Practical experience of gathering and analysing data for various approaches will be offered. On completion of the unit, students will have been introduced to how to assess different qualitative research approaches for suitability in answering a research question and the implementation of related qualitative methods.
Requisites
50 credit points at postgraduate level
01-June-2025
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the implications of qualitative paradigms and approaches for research in business
- Apply coherent and advanced knowledge of the theoretical arguments that link a particular paradigm with a specific qualitative approach
- Apply knowledge of research design and principles to develop a research problem that would be best addressed through qualitative approaches
- Apply qualitative research fundamentals to the analysis, design and collection of qualitative data using different qualitative methods
- Analyse qualitative data in order to present an argument based on the synthesis of literature and data analysis using qualitative methods
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Class | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Online Lecture | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Unspecified Activities Various | 9.50 | 12 weeks | 114 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | Individual | 20 - 40% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Assignment 2 | Individual | 60 - 80% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Content
- History and development of qualitative methods
- Outlining a qualitative research project
- Overview of the interview: face to face, groups and focused
- Situating Qualitative Research and Developing a Research Problem
- Ethical conduct
- Observation and fieldwork
- Artefacts: visual sources
- Assessing qualitative research
- Writing analysis
- Analysis and qualitative software
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.