Qualitative Methods in Psychology (PSYC90123)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2025
About this subject
Overview
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This is a compulsory subject in the Master of Applied Psychology. Qualitative research plays an integral role across a range of applied settings by providing rich and detailed descriptions of human behaviour in which contexts in which it occurs. Use of qualitative methods enables researchers to explore meanings of phenomena to generate theories and hypotheses that may be used to guide processes such as design and evaluation. In contemporary applied settings qualitative and quantitative research are often combined in mixed methods designs to provide robust and rich evidence.
This subject will introduce students to qualitative research in psychology with a focus on its application in real world settings. Students will learn the theory and assumptions of qualitative inquiry and how these guide research design, choice of methods and analytical approach. Students will be introduced to established qualitative methods used with human participants such as interviews, focus groups and observations, as well as evolving methods for exploring digital data. Students will work in small groups to design and conduct a project of their choice to build practical skills in qualitative methods.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Design research by selecting appropriate qualitative approaches.
- Identify ethical considerations and how to minimise risk in qualitative research.
- Conduct research using qualitative methods for human and digital data.
- Analyse and report qualitative findings suitable for applied psychology contexts.
Generic skills
- Work collaboratively in groups to achieve shared outcomes .
- Critically evaluate and synthesise a broad range of information and data sources.
- Demonstrate effective written, visual and verbal communication
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Non-allowed subjects
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Group project proposal
| Week 5 | 25% |
Group Analysis Presentation
| From Week 10 to Week 11 | 20% |
Peer Evaluation of participation in group assessments 1&2
| Week 11 | 5% |
Individual Research
| During the examination period | 50% |
Attendance at more than 80% of classes Hurdle requirement: Attendance of at least 80% of classes. In case of failure to meet the attendance requirement, additional work related to the missed class activities (e.g., short 500 word essay on missed topic) will be required before a passing grade can be awarded. | Throughout the teaching period | 0% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
Not available in 2025
What do these dates mean
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- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
Last updated: 4 March 2025