Summative Assessment
In this 2-part essay you are required to design a qualitative research study in a policy area of your choice and then provide a critical account of the research design and methods chosen.
The first part of the assignment should include relevant background information about: the problem or area you wish to explore; the aims and objectives of the research; research questions; information about your chosen method; sample size, selection, and access details; ethical considerations; and analysis. This part of the assignment is mostly descriptive and should not make up more than 1,500 words, excluding references.
The second and main part of the assignment should draw on the methodological and theoretical literature to critically analyse the strengths and weakness of the proposed research design and methods. This analysis should:
Demonstrate your knowledge of some of the philosophical underpinnings of and key debates in qualitative methodology.
Account for the role and perspective of the researcher. Ontology: positionality. 反思你在你的研究中的一个状态？
Consider the strengths and weaknesses of the methods selected and their appropriateness for the research area.
Consider the potential practical and ethical ‘dilemmas’ or issues that may be encountered in the research process.
Discuss issues of reliability, validity, and the generalisability of findings.
The assignment is designed to evaluate your appreciation of research design as well your understanding of philosophical and conceptual concerns. It should include a bibliography which makes reference to the literature on research methods and the policy context. Please make sure you adhere to the guidance provided.
Guidance for submission
The assignment must be no longer than 4,000 words, including any figures or tables, but not the list of references. Please use single or 1.5 line spacing and make a line space between paragraphs and references. Also include page numbers at the bottom of each page. Take care to present your references accurately according to the Harvard system. Remember you must include a word count and your 7-digit student number on the first page, but do not include your name. Remember that you may lose marks if you exceed the word limit, do not reference properly, or submit the assignment late without a pre-approved extension.