Medical and health related research has a long history of utilizing a predominantly quantitative approach and Holeman (1993) says ‘the almost sole recognition given to quantitative methods has trained students inadequately, established flawed standards of practice and research, and delayed the development of essential medical knowledge.’ This module aims to re-dress this imbalance and will introduce you to the potential of a qualitative action orientated approach to health and disability research. It will enable you to enhance the quality and credibility of qualitative studies. You will have the opportunity to gain skills and experience in valuing and using qualitative methods for investigating community health problems and undertaking actions to address the problems. The module examines qualitative research concepts and tools, including interviews, observations and focus groups.

After taking this module you should be able to:

Design qualitative studies by developing qualitative research questions and qualitative research protocols.
	Collect qualitative data using observations, interviews and focus groups discussions.
	Evaluate innovative qualitative data collection methods including the use of visualisations and participatory learning and action (PLA) processes.
	Apply the process of analysis utilizing a qualitative mini research project undertaken as part of the module.
	Assess these processes in relation to different approaches to qualitative research.
The module is open to students on the MSc/PG Dip Global Health and Development, other UCL MSc/PG Dip students, Taster course students and Short course students

You will have lectures, seminars, workshops, self-study, tutorials and group work. Moodle will be used for lecture notes and reading lists.

This is a team-led module that draws on qualitative expertise across the department.

Selected reading list:

Cresswell J A (2003) Research design, qualitative quantitative and mixed methods
	approaches Sage: New Jersey
	Chambers R (1994) The origins and practice of participatory rural appraisalWorld
	Development 22 (7), 953-969.
	Meyer J (2000) Qualitative research in health care. Using qualitative methods in health related action research BMJ 15 320 178-81
	Patton M (1990) Qualitative evaluation and research methods London: Sage
	Pope C, Mays N (1995) Reaching the parts other methods cannot reach: an introduction to qualitative methods in health and health services research. BMJ 311 42-45
	Rifkin S, Pridmore P (2001) Partners in planning: Information participation and empowerment. Macmillan, London.