Overview
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 in 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.
About this paper
| Paper title | Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods |
|---|---|
| Subject | Public Health |
| EFTS | 0.125 |
| Points | 15 points |
| Teaching period(s) | 1st Non standard period (15 September 2025 - 7 November 2025)
(On campus)
1st Non standard period (15 September 2025 - 7 November 2025) (On campus) 1st Non standard period (15 September 2025 - 7 November 2025) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,644.75 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- 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- More information link
- View more information on postgraduate studies in Public Health
- Teaching staff
Wellington Campus: Dr Emma Osborne (Overall Convener)
Christchurch Campus: TBC
Dunedin Campus: Associate Professor Sarah Derrett
- Paper Structure
Topics:
- Introduction to qualitative research; literature searching
- Planning and designing qualitative research; writing a literature review
- Postpositive approaches; in-depth interviews; ethnographic research; field practices
- Constructivist approaches; using documents
- Critical theory approaches; focus groups
- Qualitative analysis; presenting research
- Teaching Arrangements
Wednesday mornings: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Block day: 24 September, 9am - 4pm; date to be confirmed with local convener
- 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
- Assessment details
Assessment:
- Assignment 1: (45%)
- Assignment 2: (55%)