HS5102 - Qualitative Research Methods for Health Professionals

Available to students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Primary Health Care Research, the Public Health and Tropical Medicine Program (PMHTM, Dip PHTM, PGradDipPHTM), the Postgraduate Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, the MSc (Public Health and Tropical Medicine), Health Professional Education programs and other courses by arrangement with the Head of the School.

Qualitative research methods are playing an increasingly important role in health research and, indirectly, in health policy and programs. This subject will introduce students to doing qualitative research, both as a stand-alone approach and as a complement to quantitative research. Topics covered will include: theoretical and conceptual foundations of qualitative research; designing qualitative research; ethical issues in conducting qualitative research; main approaches to gathering data; interviewing skills; principles of qualitative data analysis; computer-assisted qualitative data analysis; writing up qualitative research and appraising qualitative research. This subject will also explore participatory action research and mixed method approaches.

Learning Outcomes

• Design a qualitative research project, or incorporate qualitative methods into a mixed-methods research project;
• Describe the distinguishing characteristics of different qualitative methodologies and apply these to a research project;
• Employ a range of qualitative data collection and analysis methods and write up and present qualitative research data for publication;
• Enhance verbal and written communication skills and academic literacy competencies.

Subject Assessment

• Written > Critical appraisal/review - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Proposal - (50%) - Individual
• Conduct an interview and analyse the data 30% - (30%) - Individual.

Special Assessment Requirements

Satisfactory completion of all assessment items and Contribution to the Discussion Board is a hurdle requirement.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.