Unit rationale, description and aim
Good planning, an ethical approach, and appropriate research techniques are essential for effective development work. This subject introduces students to some of the basic approaches and tools for qualitative development research. In particular, it trains students in qualitative research design, providing them with the tools required in the preparation of project development, evaluation and report writing. The role of gender in development research is explored, as are a variety of tools and positionalities when conducting qualitative research.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Demonstrate a sound understanding of the relevance...
Learning Outcome 01
Understand and reflect upon the usefulness of appl...
Learning Outcome 02
Assess and evaluate the applicability of various d...
Learning Outcome 03
Understand and apply the fundamentals of social im...
Learning Outcome 04
Manage and analyse qualitative data and apply a ra...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Topics will include:
- The nature of social research, and its role in research and planning for development;
- Ethical approaches to research in developing countries and cross-cultural contexts;
- Theories and issues concerning the ways gender relates to development practice and research;
- The application of qualitative research tools, including observation and interviews;
- Practitioner applications of social research in development, including participatory action research (PAR); and social impact assessment (SIA);
- Theoretical and practical approaches to project evaluation;
- Practical issues in data management and content analysis;
- Report writing for development projects
Overview of assessments
Observation Field Notes (individual)
Observation Field Notes (individual)
25%
Interviewing: Part 1: Devise Interview Questions ...
Interviewing:
Part 1: Devise Interview Questions (group)
Part 2: Conduct an Interview (individual)
Part 1 - 10%
Part 2 - 20%
Data Management & Analysis (individual)
Data Management & Analysis (individual)
45%