BSN412 Qualitative Research and Analytical Techniques
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | BSN412 |
|---|---|
| Antirequisite(s): | CON500 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $2,040 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $1,597 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,092 |
| International unit fee | $4,584 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | BSN412 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Anti-requisite: | CON500 |
| Coordinators: | Sara McGaughey | sara.mcgaughey@qut.edu.au |
Overview
BSN412 assists postgraduate students to develop an understanding of the nature of qualitative data, diverse methods to collect, analyse and interpret qualitative data, and the complex role of the researcher in qualitative studies. It is designed to complement units such as Research Seminar, Methodology for Business Research, and Quantitative Research Methods. Through guided reading, discussion and intensive workshops that emphasise the practical application of different methods, you will develop essential skills in the craft of qualitative research.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply discipline knowledge and technical research skills to design and execute the collection of qualitative data.
- Use data analysis skills informed by knowledge of effective research practice to interrogate qualitative data and form conclusions
- Demonstrate written communication skills to structure, explain and defend data collection and analysisRelates to: UG Business Capabilities: PC (3.1)
- Demonstrate reflexivity in the data collection and analysis process to inform and improve research practice
Content
The unit will cover generic content related to qualitative research data collection, analysis and interpretation, and writing and publication processes. Students will be given the opportunity to develop practical skills in carrying out qualitative research projects, and reflect on how these skills and approaches relate to topics of their own choosing. Examples from a range of business disciplines and research traditions will be explored to give insight into the diversity of approaches in qualitative research, including the perspectives and practices of indigenous researchers.
QUT Business Capabilities (Research)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including advanced knowledge of research, research principles and methods and how knowledge is created and evolves within the field.
1.2 Use technological and technical skills to apply theoretical knowledge, work critically with complex information, problems and theories, and to design and apply research and research methods.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Identify, investigate and evaluate intellectual issues and problems in research and practice and synthesise complex thinking to identify research gaps and conceptualise an approach to a research study.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence to systematically plan, design and execute research and formulate conclusions and recommendations that challenge and contribute to current knowledge in a discipline.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Demonstrate written communication skills to structure and present complex thinking, including research results to a variety of audiences in relation to discipline knowledge and research.
3.2 Demonstrate oral communication skills to structure and present complex thinking, including research results to a variety of audiences in relation to discipline knowledge and research.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and recognition of research limitations for effective research practice.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Apply knowledge of the ethical dimensions of research to identify and address the potential risks of undertaking a research project.
Learning Approaches
The unit will be taught as a blended learning approach, with intensive in-person weekend workshops complemented by online workshops and materials. The workshops will involve a combination of guided discussion and hands-on activities where students can practice and reflect upon various qualitative methods. Emphasis is placed on self-reflection and reflexivity, and creating a collegial learning community. Class discussion and participation is therefore essential, and students are expected to complete activities prior to coming to class (such as readings, videos, analytic writing) to enhance the in-class experience.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Design and conduct an interview
This assessment task focuses on practising the process of data collection in qualitative research, with a particular emphasis on how interviews are designed and conducted. Each student will design an interview protocol, and conduct and record a qualitative interview on a topic provided by the lecturer. On completion of this interview you will reflect on your interview skills and the process experienced, including the possible role your own cultural lens(es) played in the design and conduct of the interview. You will identify how you might improve your skills and the interview process for the future. Both the audio interview source and the written reflection will be submitted, with the interview protocol and interview transcript in an appendix. The participant in the interview will be de-identified.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.2), PC (3.1), TS (4.1)
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Data analysis and interpretation
The focus in this second assignment is on learning how to analyse and interpret qualitative data and present findings. Students will analyse the qualitative data collected in Assignment 1 and interpret the results. The extant literature and the student's written personal reflective journal should be used to help inform their analysis and interpretations. Students are expected to a) de-identify and analyse the qualitative data they collected for Assignment 1; b) explain their data analysis process; c) present the resultant findings, including interpretations; and d) offer reflections on the research process they experienced, including the possible influence of their own cultural lens(es). Students will submit the coding scheme (or equivalent), a summary of their analysis and interpretations, and their personal reflections in the final assignment.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), PC (3.1), TS (4.1)
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
There is no required textbook for this unit.
This unit will make use of selected chapters and articles from textbooks, journals and magazines, as well as videos. These resources will be made available to students online via QUT Readings.
You will be expected to make extensive use of relevant electronic academic and practitioner information resources. You will also be expected to access contemporary literature on your topic(s) and relevant material on qualitative research data collection methods and analysis related to your field of study.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO2, Data analysis and interpretation
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Design and conduct an interview, Data analysis and interpretation
KS (1.1): Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Design and conduct an interview, Data analysis and interpretation
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Design and conduct an interview, Data analysis and interpretation
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO3, Design and conduct an interview, Data analysis and interpretation
TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability
Relates to: ULO4, Design and conduct an interview, Data analysis and interpretation
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS39 Graduate Certificate in Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Design and conduct an interview - Apply technical, technological or technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Design and conduct an interview - Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Design and conduct an interview - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: ULO2, Design and conduct an interview - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively in written forms and using appropriate media for diverse audiences.
Relates to: ULO3 - Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
Relates to: ULO4, Design and conduct an interview
BS63 Bachelor of Business (Honours)
- Apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of research principles, methods, and ethical considerations; and how knowledge is created and evolves within the field
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Design and conduct an interview, Data analysis and interpretation - Use technological and technical skills to design and apply research and research methods
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Design and conduct an interview, Data analysis and interpretation - Identify, investigate and evaluate ethical issues and problems in research and practice, and synthesise complex thinking to identify research gaps and conceptualise an approach to a research study
Relates to: ULO2, Data analysis and interpretation - Exercise intellectual independence and critical thinking to systematically plan, design and execute research and formulate conclusions and recommendations that challenge and contribute to current knowledge in a discipline
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Design and conduct an interview, Data analysis and interpretation - Apply communication skills to structure and present complex thinking, including research results to a variety of audiences in relation to discipline knowledge and research
Relates to: ULO3, Design and conduct an interview, Data analysis and interpretation
BS69 Graduate Diploma in Business (Research)
- Discuss advanced theoretical and disciplinary knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Design and conduct an interview - Display understanding of research design through appropriate methodological critique of published research
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Design and conduct an interview - Display competence in research design through the development and critique of a rigorous design for their own research
Relates to: ULO2, Design and conduct an interview - Display competence in the appropriate and rigorous analysis of data
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Design and conduct an interview - Provide an effective presentation and defence of research in written contexts
Relates to: ULO3
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | BSN412 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Anti-requisite: | CON500 |
| Coordinators: | Carol Richards | c6.richards@qut.edu.au |
Overview
BSN412 assists postgraduate students to develop an understanding of the nature of qualitative data, diverse methods to collect, analyse and interpret qualitative data, and the complex role of the researcher in qualitative studies. It is designed to complement units such as Research Seminar, Methodology for Business Research, and Quantitative Research Methods. Through guided reading, discussion and intensive workshops that emphasise the practical application of different methods, you will develop essential skills in the craft of qualitative research.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply discipline knowledge and technical research skills to design and execute the collection of qualitative data.
- Use data analysis skills informed by knowledge of effective research practice to interrogate qualitative data and form conclusions
- Demonstrate written communication skills to structure, explain and defend data collection and analysisRelates to: UG Business Capabilities: PC (3.1)
- Demonstrate reflexivity in the data collection and analysis process to inform and improve research practice
Content
The unit will cover generic content related to qualitative research data collection, analysis and interpretation, and writing and publication processes. Students will be given the opportunity to develop practical skills in carrying out qualitative research projects, and reflect on how these skills and approaches relate to topics of their own choosing. Examples from a range of business disciplines and research traditions will be explored to give insight into the diversity of approaches in qualitative research, including the perspectives and practices of indigenous researchers.
QUT Business Capabilities (Research)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including advanced knowledge of research, research principles and methods and how knowledge is created and evolves within the field.
1.2 Use technological and technical skills to apply theoretical knowledge, work critically with complex information, problems and theories, and to design and apply research and research methods.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Identify, investigate and evaluate intellectual issues and problems in research and practice and synthesise complex thinking to identify research gaps and conceptualise an approach to a research study.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence to systematically plan, design and execute research and formulate conclusions and recommendations that challenge and contribute to current knowledge in a discipline.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Demonstrate written communication skills to structure and present complex thinking, including research results to a variety of audiences in relation to discipline knowledge and research.
3.2 Demonstrate oral communication skills to structure and present complex thinking, including research results to a variety of audiences in relation to discipline knowledge and research.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and recognition of research limitations for effective research practice.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Apply knowledge of the ethical dimensions of research to identify and address the potential risks of undertaking a research project.
Learning Approaches
The unit will be taught as a blended learning approach, with intensive in-person weekend workshops complemented by online workshops and materials. The workshops will involve a combination of guided discussion and hands-on activities where students can practice and reflect upon various qualitative methods. Emphasis is placed on self-reflection and reflexivity, and creating a collegial learning community. Class discussion and participation is therefore essential, and students are expected to complete activities prior to coming to class (such as readings, videos, analytic writing) to enhance the in-class experience.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Design and conduct an interview
This assessment task focuses on practising the process of data collection in qualitative research, with a particular emphasis on how interviews are designed and conducted. Each student will design an interview protocol, and conduct and record a qualitative interview on a topic provided by the lecturer. On completion of this interview you will reflect on your interview skills and the process experienced, including the possible role your own cultural lens(es) played in the design and conduct of the interview. You will identify how you might improve your skills and the interview process for the future. Both the audio interview source and the written reflection will be submitted, with the interview protocol and interview transcript in an appendix. The participant in the interview will be de-identified.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.2), PC (3.1), TS (4.1)
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Data analysis and interpretation
The focus in this second assignment is on learning how to analyse and interpret qualitative data and present findings. Students will analyse the qualitative data collected in Assignment 1 and interpret the results. The extant literature and the student's written personal reflective journal should be used to help inform their analysis and interpretations. Students are expected to a) de-identify and analyse the qualitative data they collected for Assignment 1; b) explain their data analysis process; c) present the resultant findings, including interpretations; and d) offer reflections on the research process they experienced, including the possible influence of their own cultural lens(es). Students will submit the coding scheme (or equivalent), a summary of their analysis and interpretations, and their personal reflections in the final assignment.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), PC (3.1), TS (4.1)
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
There is no required textbook for this unit.
This unit will make use of selected chapters and articles from textbooks, journals and magazines, as well as videos. These resources will be made available to students online via QUT Readings.
You will be expected to make extensive use of relevant electronic academic and practitioner information resources. You will also be expected to access contemporary literature on your topic(s) and relevant material on qualitative research data collection methods and analysis related to your field of study.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO2, Data analysis and interpretation
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Design and conduct an interview, Data analysis and interpretation
KS (1.1): Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Design and conduct an interview, Data analysis and interpretation
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Design and conduct an interview, Data analysis and interpretation
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO3, Design and conduct an interview, Data analysis and interpretation
TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability
Relates to: ULO4, Design and conduct an interview, Data analysis and interpretation
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS39 Graduate Certificate in Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Design and conduct an interview - Apply technical, technological or technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Design and conduct an interview - Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Design and conduct an interview - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: ULO2, Design and conduct an interview - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively in written forms and using appropriate media for diverse audiences.
Relates to: ULO3 - Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
Relates to: ULO4, Design and conduct an interview
BS63 Bachelor of Business (Honours)
- Apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of research principles, methods, and ethical considerations; and how knowledge is created and evolves within the field
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Design and conduct an interview, Data analysis and interpretation - Use technological and technical skills to design and apply research and research methods
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Design and conduct an interview, Data analysis and interpretation - Identify, investigate and evaluate ethical issues and problems in research and practice, and synthesise complex thinking to identify research gaps and conceptualise an approach to a research study
Relates to: ULO2, Data analysis and interpretation - Exercise intellectual independence and critical thinking to systematically plan, design and execute research and formulate conclusions and recommendations that challenge and contribute to current knowledge in a discipline
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Design and conduct an interview, Data analysis and interpretation - Apply communication skills to structure and present complex thinking, including research results to a variety of audiences in relation to discipline knowledge and research
Relates to: ULO3, Design and conduct an interview, Data analysis and interpretation
BS69 Graduate Diploma in Business (Research)
- Discuss advanced theoretical and disciplinary knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Design and conduct an interview - Display understanding of research design through appropriate methodological critique of published research
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Design and conduct an interview - Display competence in research design through the development and critique of a rigorous design for their own research
Relates to: ULO2, Design and conduct an interview - Display competence in the appropriate and rigorous analysis of data
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Design and conduct an interview - Provide an effective presentation and defence of research in written contexts
Relates to: ULO3