TM5524 - Qualitative Research Methods for Tropical Health Practitioners

[Not offered in 2020]

This subject focuses on a comprehensive introduction to qualitative inquiry in public health. It is designed for novices and students who want an advanced-level introduction to the field. Through lectures, readings and in-class practicals,students will engage in learning about i) the role and application of qualitative research in public health; ii) methods of qualitative data collection, analysis and sampling; iii) researching with vulnerable populations; iv) designing a qualitative study; and v) ethical considerations of qualitative inquiry, in the context of public health research.

Learning Outcomes

• critically examine the use of qualitative research methods in public health issues;
• recognise and describe some of the major theoretical perspectives which inform qualitative research;
• identify the major research methods used for sampling and data collection in qualitative research, including the advantages and disadvantages of each;
• demonstrate capacity to appropriately collect, analyse and report on qualitative data;
• identify appropriate qualitative approaches to researching with marginalised, culturally and linguistically diverse populations, including Indigenous Australians;
• design a qualitative research study and compose an ethics application to a public health issue for a nominated research project;
• conduct a qualitative study as part of a stand-alone project, or as part of a mixed methods project.

Subject Assessment

• Non-Invigilated > Assignments - (50%)
• Group assignment Thematic analysis and reporting of qualitative data - (25%)
• Conduct indepth interview - (25%).

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.