Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Tobia Fattore
Contact via tobia.fattore@mq.edu.au
Australian Hearing Hub, Level 2 South Wing
By email
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides students with an opportunity to develop practical skills collecting, analysing and presenting qualitative data to address essential research questions. The unit introduces participants to a wide range of qualitative research methods, including observation, participant observation, interviewing, the use of focus groups and unobtrusive research methods. Students will also learn how to organise and analyse qualitative research data. The unit adopts a hands-on approach to provide an opportunity to develop research skills and a critical perspective of the research process itself.
All enrolment queries should be directed to Open Universities Australia (OUA): see www.open.edu.au
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.open.edu.au/student-admin-and-support/key-dates/
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
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Research Proposal | 25% | No | End of Week 5 |
Research Report | 45% | No | End of Week 13 |
Participation | 15% | No | Ongoing |
Online Exam | 15% | No | Week 14 |
Due: End of Week 5
Weighting: 25%
Students will be required to undertake a research project involving qualitative methods for this unit. This research will form the basis of the major assignment for the unit - the individual research report. As part of this process students are required to submit a research proposal for their intended research. The proposal will outline the research question and summarise the intended research methods that will be used to address the question. Proposals will be assessed on whether the project is suitable for a qualitative approach, is feasible and uses the strengths of qualitative methods.
Due: End of Week 13
Weighting: 45%
Students will submit a qualitative research report based on fieldwork they have undertaken throughout the semester. As well as presenting the research question, study rationale, research methodology and analysis of findings, the report will also provide a critical evaluation of the research experience.
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 15%
From week to week students will be required to engage in practical tasks to develop their skills as qualitative researchers. Students will be assessed on demonstration of their participation in these activities through ongoing contributions to weekly discussion forums.
Due: Week 14
Weighting: 15%
This test, available in Week 14, assesses your knowledge of the concepts covered throughout the semester, focussing on the lecture material. Each question will be of equal value.
Each week written lecture slides and notes will be provided. This will be accompanied by a practical activity relating to the topic for that week.
There are no required texts for this course. The readings for each week can be accessed from the Macquarie University Units Reading function.
However the following texts are recommended, that you may find useful for this course and as a resource for social research more generally.
Kathy Charmaz (2014) Constructing Grounded Theory (2nd Edition) Sage Publishing
Alan Morris (2015) A Practical Introduction to In-depth Interviewing Sage Publications
Week |
Topic |
Week 1 |
Introduction to Qualitative Research |
Week 2 |
Is Qualitative Research a Science? |
Week 3 |
Designing Qualitative Research |
Week 4 |
Research Ethics and Politics |
Week 5 |
Different Approaches to Qualitative Observation as a Method |
Week 6 |
The Interview Technique |
Week 7 |
The Interview in Practice |
Week 8 |
Focus Groups |
Week 9 |
Content Analysis, Visual Techniques and Task-oriented methods |
Week 10 |
Introduction to Qualitative Analysis |
Week 11 |
Grounded Theory |
Week 12 |
Discourse Analysis |
Week 13 |
Writing and Wrapping Up |
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
The University recognises that students may experience events or conditions that adversely affect their academic performance. If you experience serious and unavoidable difficulties at exam time or when assessment tasks are due, you can consider applying for Special Consideration.
You need to show that the circumstances:
If you feel that your studies have been impacted submit an application as follows:
Outcome
Once your submission is assessed, an appropriate outcome will be organised.
You can withdraw from your subjects prior to the census date (last day to withdraw). If you successfully withdraw before the census date, you won’t need to apply for Special Circumstances. If you find yourself unable to withdraw from your subjects before the census date - you might be able to apply for Special Circumstances. If you’re eligible, we can refund your fees and overturn your fail grade.
If you’re studying Single Subjects using FEE-HELP or paying up front, you can apply online.
If you’re studying a degree using HECS-HELP, you’ll need to apply directly to Macquarie University.
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
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