Qualitative Research Methods Research Assignment PSY5009
- Subject Code :
PSY5009
PSY5009
Qualitative Research Methods Research Assignment
Assignment Brief
As part of the formal assessment for the programme you are required to submit a Qualitative Research Methods assignment. Please refer to your Student Handbook for full details of the programme assessment scheme and general information on preparing and submitting assignments.
Learning Outcomes:
After completing the module, you should be able to:
- Demonstratean understanding of qualitative research methodology and design
- Evaluatequalitative methods for analysis
- Evidencequalitative analysis skills
- Interpretand communicate qualitative research and analysis
All learning outcomes must be met to pass the module .
Guidance
Your assignment should include: a title page containing your student number, the module name, the submission deadline and the exact word count of your submitted document; the appendices if relevant; and a reference list in (see referencing section for more information). You should address all the elements of the assignment task listed below. Please note that tutors will use the assessment criteria set out below in assessing your work.
You must not include your name in your submission because Arden University operates anonymous marking, which means that markers should not be aware of the identity of the student. However, please do not forget to include your STU number.
Maximum word count: 4000 words
Please refer to the full word count policy which can be found in the Student Policies section here:Arden University | Regulatory Framework.
Please note the following: Students are required to indicate the exact word count on the title page of the assessment.
The word count includes everything in the main body of the assessment (including in text citations and references). The word count excludesnumerical data in tables,figures, diagrams, footnotes, reference list and appendices. ALL other printed words ARE included in the word count.
Pleasenotethatexceedingthewordcountbyover10%willresultina10-percentage point deduction.
Assignment Task
The assignment is divided into two parts. You are required to complete both parts for this assessment:
Part One: Data analysis
For part one of the assessment, you will be required to analyse two transcripts from interviews discussing the following topic:
Time management amongst university students.
The two transcripts will be provided for you. Please note you are NOT to collect your own interview data. You are required to choose TWO methods of qualitative data analysis that you feel are appropriate for the data and develop a research question for each approach. Examples of analytical methods may include: thematic analysis (and the variants of it), interpretive phenomenological analysis, discourse analysis, narrative analysis or content analysis. Each of your chosen analytical methods should be applied to both transcripts.
You are then to present both of your analytical approaches under separate headings with the corresponding research question. You will need to introduce your approach and the purpose of it, followed by an appropriately formatted analysis.
Please note that quotes are included in the word count.
You will need to demonstrate each of your analytical approaches within your appendix. This can be in the form of an annotated/code transcript, a table, chart, diagram, mind map or however your approach to that particular analysis took form. However, it must be reflective of the analytical approach e.g. demonstrates coding, or key words, or language and narrative. Please note the appendix is not included in the word count.
Part Two: Evaluative Discussion
In this section of the assignment, you are to discuss the similarities, differences, strengths and limitations of the methods of analysis you have chosen, the aims of each method of analysis and a critique of those methods of analysis. You are then to discuss how the type of data analysis can influence the overall research design of qualitative research methods, how the approach to data analysis may influence a qualitative research question, and a
comprehensive exploration of the ethical issues associated with qualitative research methods. Additionally, you are to produce a reflexivity section which explores how you, as an individual and as a qualitative researcher, may see your experiences and ideas potentially influence and shape the approach to data analysis and research. You should also include consideration of the interviewee / interviewer relationship and environmental set up for interviewing.
This module is marked using the Arden University Categorical Marking Criteria
Assessment Guidance
The My Assessment tab houses materials for your assessment, including the interview schedule as well as the supporting documents (interview transcripts) and guidance for different analytical approaches for part one and additional guidance for part two.
You should format your assessment within a single document (Microsoft Word or pdf) complete with a reference list at the end of the document. You are to include an appendix which demonstrates each of your analytical strategies used within your assessment, this can be in the form of a table, chart, diagram or mind map but must include examples of data and the analytical process related to the approaches.
Knowledge and Skill Development
By completing this assignment, you will develop specific knowledge and skills related to planning a qualitative research project; designing qualitative interview questions; analysing qualitative data sets; and writing up qualitative research findings. You will have also gained in-depth knowledge and understanding relating to the two approaches you have chosen and be able to identify key elements of consideration within qualitative research.
You will develop the following transferable skills:
- Researchdesign and data collection
- Awarenessof ethical research conduct
- Qualitativedata analysis and interpretation of findings
- Literaturesearching
- Criticalthinking, analysis and evaluation
- Writtencommunication (and communicating critical arguments)
- Self-motivation,self-direction and using ones initiative to work independently Time- management, project-management and working to deadlines
Formative Feedback
You have the opportunity to submit a draft version of each of your chosen methods of analysis (maximum 500 words each) and a bullet-point plan of your evaluative discussion to receive formative feedback.
The feedback is designed to help you develop areas of your work and it helps you develop your skills as an independent learner.
If you are a distance learning student, you should submit your work via Turnitin. Please check your iLearn module pages/forum for the formative feedback deadline and submission link.
If you are a blended learning student, your tutor will give you a deadline for formative feedback and further details. If you have a confirmed extension to your summative (final submission) deadline, please contact your lecturer for information on extensions to the formative feedback deadline.
Formative feedback will not be given to work submitted after the published date or the date specified by your tutor (if a blended learning student).
Referencing Guidance
GuidelinesforstudentsstudyingBSc(Hons)Psychology,BSc(Hons)Psychology(Applied) and BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling:
You MUST underpin your analysis and evaluation of the key issues with appropriate and wide-ranging academic research and ensure this is referenced using the APA system(s).
Follow this link to find the referencing guides for your subject:ArdenLibrary
Guidelinesforstudentsstudying
BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology
BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology with Foundation Pathways BA (Hons) Criminology and Law
BA (Hons) Criminology and Law with Foundation Pathways BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology
BA (Hons) HRM and Psychology
BA (Hons) Psychology and Sociology
BA (Hons) Psychology and Sociology with Foundation Pathways BA (Hons) Psychology and Human Resource Management
BA (Hons) Psychology and Law BA (Hons) Social Science
You MUST underpin your analysis and evaluation of the key issues with appropriate and wide-ranging academic research and ensure this is referenced using the AU Harvard system(s).
Follow this link to find the referencing guides for your subject:ArdenLibrary
Submission Guidance
Assignments submitted late will not be accepted and will be marked as a 0?il.
Your assessment can be submitted as a single Word (MS Word) or PDF file, or, as multiple files.
If you chose to submit multiple files, you must name each document as the question/part you are answering along with your student number ie Q1 Section A STUXXXX. If you wish to overwrite your submission or one of your submissions, you must ensure that your new submission is named exactly the same as the previous in order for the system to overwrite it.
You must ensure that the submitted assignment is all your own work and that all sources used are correctly attributed. Penalties apply to assignments which show evidence of academic unfair practice. (See the Student Handbook which is available on the A-Z key information on iLearn.)
Assessment Criteria (Learning objectives covered all .
|
Level 5 reflects the continuing development in knowledge, understanding and skills from Level 4. At Level 5, students are not expected to be fully autonomous but are able to take responsibility for their own learning with appropriate guidance and direction. Students are expected to further develop their theoretical knowledge within a more intellectual context and to demonstrate this through more complex forms of expression which move beyond the descriptive or imitative domain. Students are expected to demonstrate skills of analysis in both problem-solving and resolution. |
||
|
Grade |
Mark Bands |
Generic Assessment Criteria |
|
First (1) |
80%+ |
An outstanding information base exploring and analysing the discipline, its theory and any associated ethical considerations. There is sophisticated use and management of learning resources, and a high degree of autonomy is demonstrated. Writing is outstandingly well structured and accurately referenced throughout. Where appropriate, outstanding professional skills are demonstrated. The work is original and with some additional effort could considered for internal publication. |
|
70-79% |
An excellent knowledge base within which the discipline is explored and analysed. There is a degree of originality in the approach. The work demonstrates confidence and autonomy and extends to consider ethical issues. Learning resources have been managed confidently. Writing is exceptionally well structured and accurately referenced throughout. Where appropriate, an excellent level of professional skills is demonstrated, and the work demonstrates a high level of intellectual and academic skills. |
|
|
Upper second (2:1) |
60-69% |
A very good knowledge base which explores and analyses the discipline, its theory, and any associated ethical issues. There is evidence of some originality and independence of thought. A very good range of learning resources underpin the work and there is evidence of growing confidence and self-direction. The work demonstrates the ability to analyse the subject and apply theory with good academic and intellectual skills. Academic writing skills are very good, expression is accurate overall, and the work is consistently referenced throughout. |
|
Lower second (2:2) |
50-59% |
A good understanding of the discipline which begins to analyse the subject and apply some underpinning theory. There may be reference to some of the ethical considerations. The work shows a sound level of competence in managing basic sources and materials. Academic writing skills are good and accurate overall, and the work is planned and structured with some though. Professional skills are good (where appropriate). The work lacks original thought, but academic and intellectual skills are moving into the critical domain. The work is referenced throughout. |
|
Third (3) |
40-49% |
Satisfactory level of performance in which there are some omissions in understanding the subject, its underpinning theory, and ethical considerations. There is little evidence of independent thought, and the work shows a basic use of sources and materials. Academic and intellectual skills are limited. The work may lack structure overall. There are some difficulties in developing professional skills (where appropriate). There is an attempt to reference the work. |
|
Marginal Fail |
30-39% |
A limited piece of work in which there are clear gaps in understanding the subject, its underpinning theory, and ethical considerations. The work shows a limited use of sources and materials. Academic and professional skills are weak and there are errors in expression and the work may lack structure overall. There are difficulties in developing professional skills (where appropriate). The work lacks original thought and is largely imitative. |
|
Clear fail |
29% and Below |
A poor performance in which there are substantial gaps in knowledge and understanding, underpinning theory and ethical considerations. The work shows little evidence in the use of appropriate sources and materials. Academic writing skills are very weak and there are numerous errors in expression. The work lacks structure overall. Professional skills (where appropriate) are not developed. The work is imitative. |
