APME40-Qualitative Research Methods

Module Provider: Agr and Food Econ
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Giacomo Zanello
Email: g.zanello@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Gain fundamental knowledge of qualitative research methods and evaluate the contribution of such methods to social science research, particularly in relation to economics and as applied in the fields of agriculture and food. Learn through integrated lectures, practical sessions, and applied group work.

Aims:
This module aims to introduce students to qualitative research methods and to provide students with an appreciation of the contribution of such methods to social science research, particularly in relation to economics and as applied in the fields of agriculture and food.

Assessable learning outcomes:
At the end of this module students will be able to:
£ Recognize the role and value of qualitative research methods to social science research.
£ Understand the objectives and characteristics of quantitative and qualitative research methods and the synergies between the two.
£ Assess the circumstances under which particular qualitative techniquesresearch methods might be used and why and be able to apply them in practice.
£ Design and evaluate qualitative research

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:
£ Classification and overview of qualitative methods
£ Design qualitative research and ethical issues
£ In-depth interview
£ Focus groups and panels
£ Participatory methods and ethnographic research
£ Projective techniques and unobtrusive measure
£ Mixed-methods and qualitative research in practice (NVivo)

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Group assignment: Run qualitative research on case studies providedÌý Ìýdistil the lessons learnt in a report and present the findings Ìý– Week 9 and 10 (60%)

Ìý

Test: Multiple choice test in Week 11. One hour, 30 questions (40%)

Formative assessment methods:
Moderated group work sessions
£³§²Ô²¹±è-³Ù±ð²õ³Ù²õ£

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: