Qualitative and Empowerment Research 15 credits (150 hours student effort)

Manchester Metropolitan University

Department Psychology and Speech Pathology

MSc Modular Scheme; Short Course

Qualitative and Empowerment Research 15 credits (150 hours student effort)

Carolyn Kagan

Teaching arrangements

The content of the course is drawn from the syllabi of Qualitative Methods and Research and Empowerment, as determined by student learning needs identified via the Personal Development process. You should attend all the class sessions on Research and Empowerment (Autumn Term) and at least half of the sessions of Qualitative Methods (Spring Term).

Assessment requirements

It is by the assessment that you will be able to demonstrate that you have achieved the learning outcomes of the course, taking the learning outcomes of the overall postgraduate scheme into account.

Task: Carry out a small scale qualitative research project which incorporates elements of empowerment (4000 words excluding appendices).

It is knowledge of research methodology that we will be assessing, not your skills as a researcher. Thus, you should not think about the project in terms of the extent to which it demonstrates your abilities qualitative and empowerment researcher. Instead, you should think about it in terms of the extent to which it enables you to show your critical understanding of the qualitative and empowerment reserach methods and procedures, addressing the different outcome criteria.

Work on the assessment should not normally begin until at least half of each contributory course has been undertaken. You must submit a plan of the proposed research project, and ethics clearance form, to Carolyn Kagan, and this must be approved before you proceed (see attached plan proforma).

Criteria for assessment

Your work will be marked according to the extent to which you have:

shown understanding of methodological issues underpinning the specified qualitative method used;
critically appraised the qualitative method used;
demonstrated ability to design, conduct and write up a qualitative study;
demonstrated skill in handling qualitative information;
shown understanding of the concept of empowerment as applied to research, in the rationale, and/or process and/or outcome of the research;
demonstrated critical awareness of how psychological research can be disempowering;
demonstrated understanding of reflexivity in qualitative research

General Masters’ Level Assessment Criteria

shows knowledge;
critically evaluates literature;
critically appraises use of psychological knowledge;
links with experience
links with other areas of knowledge;
exercises and expresses own opinions and judgements;
presents originality of thought;
generation of new ideas;
clear communication in different channels (written/oral/visual/auditory)

Qualitative and Empowerment Research : Project Plan

Name:
1. Research Question/Aim

Rationale (include why the question addresses issues of disempowerment or oppression)

2. Design
Qualitative Method to be employed (include how empowerment will be a part of the process)

References:

3. Intentions for information handling:

References:

4. Outcomes
Outline anticipated outcomes (include how these will address empowerment)

5. Empowerment issue (in rationale &/or process, &/or outcome)

References

5. Timescale:

6. Agreed Hand-in date

Signed:

Student Date

Staff Date

Ethics Form? yes/No

Risk Assessment? Yes/No

Qualitative and Empowerment Research

Module Evaluation 2000-2001

We would appreciate your comments on this module. They really do help us plan for any changes to the course in the future. Please write your comments below and leave the form in Carolyn Kagan’s pigeon hole. Thanks.