SS5100 - Qualitative Research in Social Science

Credit points:	03
Year:	2007
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	School of Arts & Social Sciences

This subject focuses on the variety of methods, applications and issues involved in qualitative research and writing in the Social Sciences. It critically examines the theoretical, ethical and political dimensions of qualitative research and writing strategies, as well as providing the student with a "hands-on" experience of these social science methods. Specifically these include student involvement in research design, professional ethics, interviewing, sampling, participant-observation, action research, focus groups, interpreting and analysing data and writing up. Students will be required to complete a short independent field research project designed in consultation with the teaching staff and oriented towards their further postgraduate coursework studies and professional development.

Learning Outcomes

• understand social science qualitative research including its advantages and disadvantages;
• identify research strategies for recording, analysing and managing data;
• identify the requirements, conditions and issues associated with the implementation and management of a research project;
• operate a variety of equipment including software employed in social science research;
• critically discuss the theoretical, political and ethical issues associated with social scientific research.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to lead, manage and contribute effectively to teams;
• The ability to select and use appropriate IT tools.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:

AN2113 and AN3113 and SS2023 and SS3023 and SY2048 and SY3048

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 31-Aug-2007
Coord/Lect:	Assoc. Professor Glenn Dawes.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 12 hours tutorials 12 hours fieldwork
Assessment:	tutorial attendance and participation (30%); interview write-up (25%); assignments (45%).
Cairns, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 31-Aug-2007
Coord/Lect:	Dr Roger Wilkinson.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 12 hours tutorials 12 hours fieldwork
Assessment:	tutorial attendance and participation (30%); interview write-up (25%); assignments (45%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.