In this course, students will explore a range of qualitative methods relying on interactions between researchers, participants, and their social worlds, from interviews to more creative and arts-based methods such as photovoice. As such, the course includes a focus on positionality and reflexivity of social science research, tracing the conceptualisation of a research question, through to data generation, analysis, and social impact. Students will be guided in producing and analysing original data, allowing them to consolidate learning on producing and using data emerging from interpersonal interactions. 

2x1 hour lecture for 10 weeks

1x1 hour seminar for 10 weeks

None

None

Research proposal (40%), 1500words

Essay on interpersonal data (60%), 3000words

Programme / course convenors and teaching staff will ensure that due consideration is given to students with disabilities, and that reasonable adjustments are implemented wherever possible, in consultation with relevant support services. 

A Flexible Assessment approach will be applied, in line with Disability Service recommendations. This includes:  

■ Consideration of alternative assessment formats where appropriate (e.g., adaptations to oral assessments) 

■ Implementation of reasonable adjustments on a case-by-case basis

This course emphasises hands-on learning, in which students learn about a range of qualitative and creative methods, practice generating data, and analysing it. It focuses on designing research and generating data through interactions with research participants. 

The aims of this course are to introduce students to specialised methods for producing interactive and interpersonal data (such as interviewing, participatory methods, elicitation, and (auto)ethnographies

It will guide students in their practice of producing and analysing this data, including managing decision-making inherent to interpersonal and relational data production, such as positionality and ethical reflection. The course aims to provide students tools to reflect on their role in knowledge production, for example, selecting appropriate methods for disseminating data, and broader social implications of their research. Finally it aims at giving students the opportunity to create and work with original data, for example visual data (photographs, images, semiotics), or narrative data.

By the end of the course students will be able to:

1. Understand, compare, and critique different types of data produced through interactions between researchers, participants, and their social worlds

2. Critically evaluate and synthesise relevant onto-epistemological approaches in academic theory, and integrate these to formulate a personalised research orientation towards impact and social change.

3. Independently formulate a research question, select and justify an appropriate methodology, generate and critically analyse interpersonal data, and reflect on effective strategies for dissemination.