PN4125 Qualitative Methods for Research and Practice

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Available only to students on Single or Joint Honours programmes in the School of Psychology and Neuroscience

Planned timetable

To be confirmed

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr Y G Acar

Dr Y G Acar
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Yasemin Acar

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module offers an in-depth exploration of qualitative research methodologies in psychology, including epistemology, reflexivity, and the use of NVivo software for data analysis. Students will learn various data collection methods as well as analytical approaches such as thematic analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), and grounded theory, enabling them to explore and interpret complex social phenomena. Through hands-on practice in analysis, manual and software-based coding, and critical reflection, students will develop the ability to design, conduct, and evaluate qualitative research. By the end of the module, students will be equipped to formulate research questions, analyze and interpret qualitative data rigorously, and present their findings in a clear, ethical, and theoretically informed manner. This module prepares students to address real-world issues with a critical and applied understanding of qualitative methods.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

PASS PN2001 AND PASS PN2002

Assessment pattern

Coursework - 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework - 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

Module will consist of 2 hour sessions 1hr lecture x 10 weeks and 1hr practical x 10 weeks

Scheduled learning hours

20

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

125

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand epistemology and ethics in qualitative research.
  • Design studies using interviews, focus groups, or ethnography.
  • Analyse data using thematic, IPA, or grounded theory methods.
  • Use NVivo software for coding and thematic development.
  • Reflect on positionality in research.
  • Present rigorous, theoretically informed findings.