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PUBH724 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods

Development of skills to plan and undertake a qualitative study including identifying research questions suitable for qualitative study, recruiting participants, collecting and analysing data.

This paper will give students an understanding of the strengths and the theoretical underpinnings of qualitative methodologies used in public health research from different disciplinary perspectives. We will look at a range of qualitative methodologies, as well as the usual ways of collecting qualitative data. Students will develop skills on how to assess and ensure the rigour of qualitative studies, as well as ensure that ethical issues are addressed in the design of their research.

The paper takes an experiential approach, with students working on a research topic of their interest. It will provide a good grounding for undertaking qualitative research at master's level.

Paper title Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
Paper code PUBH724
Subject Public Health
EFTS 0.125
Points 15 points
Teaching period(s) 1st Non standard period (4 September 2023 - 11 November 2023) (On campus)
1st Non standard period (4 September 2023 - 11 November 2023) (On campus)
1st Non standard period (4 September 2023 - 11 November 2023) (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) $1,509.38
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.

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Limited to
MA, MSc, MHealSc, MPH, DPH, PGDipArts, PGDipHealSc, PGDipPHC, PGCertPH, PGCertPHC
Eligibility

Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline or recognised equivalent.

Contact

Wellington Campus: publichealth.wellington@otago.ac.nz
Christchurch Campus: publichealth.christchurch@otago.ac.nz
Dunedin Campus: publichealth.dunedin@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Wellington Campus: Emma Osborne
Christchurch Campus: Professor Gillian Abel 
Dunedin Campus: Professor Sarah Derrett (Overall Convenor)

Paper Structure

Topics:

  1. Introduction to qualitative research; literature searching
  2. Planning and designing qualitative research; writing a literature review
  3. Postpositive approaches; in-depth interviews; ethnographic research; field practices
  4. Constructivist approaches; using documents
  5. Critical theory approaches; focus groups
  6. Qualitative analysis; presenting research

Assessment:

  • Assignment 1: (45%)
  • Assignment 2: (55%)
Teaching Arrangements

Wednesday mornings: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Block day 27 September: 9:00am - 4:30pm

Textbooks

Tracy S (2020). Qualitative Research Methods: Collecting evidence, crafting analysis, communicating impact. Second edition, Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Blackwell

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the paper will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the assumptions underpinning qualitative research methodologies
  • Demonstrate an understanding of qualitative methods to recruit participants, collect data and analyse data
  • Plan a rigorous qualitative study

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Assessment

Assignment 1 45%
Assignment 2 55%

Further Information

Administrator Client Services
Department of Population Health
University of Otago, Christchurch
PO Box 4345
Christchurch
Tel 64 3 364 3602
Email katrina.hogg@otago.ac.nz

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Timetable

1st Non standard period (4 September 2023 - 11 November 2023)

Location
Christchurch
Teaching method
This paper is taught On Campus
Learning management system
Moodle

1st Non standard period (4 September 2023 - 11 November 2023)

Location
Dunedin
Teaching method
This paper is taught On Campus
Learning management system
Moodle

Lecture

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend
A1 Wednesday 09:00-11:50 36-38, 40-41

Workshop

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend
A1 Wednesday 09:00-11:50 39
Wednesday 14:00-16:50 39

1st Non standard period (4 September 2023 - 11 November 2023)

Location
Wellington
Teaching method
This paper is taught On Campus
Learning management system
Moodle