This course is designed for doctoral students who want to conduct a qualitative research project. The course will offer the multifaceted and advanced knowledge needed for such
work, plus core techniques commonly used in the qualitative research paradigm. Providing students with a comprehensive and sophisticated understanding of philosophical stances
underpinning different qualitative methodologies will help them situate their research and shape the deployment of their qualitative inquiry in an informed manner.
The course will concentrate on developing students’ knowledge and practical skills for conducting qualitative research in the following areas: (1) the use of relevant explanatory
and exploratory research questions in different qualitative studies; (2) writing a critical literature review and theoretical sensitivity; (3) formulating a research protocol and the
practice of triangulation; (4) hands-on experiences of collecting qualitative data with relevant data collection techniques; (5) data interpretation and analysis through coding
practices based on the content analysis approach; (6) having theory building with the application of grounded theory; (7) developing skills to draw conclusions and write reports,
both of which serve as the basis for preparing a doctoral research proposal and/or thesis; (8) special attention will be given to the issue of ‘researcher as instrument’ and related ethical
issues. To put the knowledge acquired into practice, students will be required to undertake a mini qualitative project individually with rigorous research design. It is anticipated that
students will gain the competency to interpret and report their research findings in anacademic manner.
Pre-requisite: PEDU6402