PS5566: WHAT CAN QUALITATIVE PSYCHOLOGY TELL US ABOUT PEOPLE? (2025-2026)

This course focuses on a broad and in-depth understanding of qualitative research at an advanced level. We will look at several methodologies, some bottom-up (inductive) and some top-down (theory based).

For each methodology we will look at the steps involved in carrying it out. We will also look at research articles that have used them, so students develop a firm grasp of which methodology is appropriate for which type of research question. In addition, students will critically evaluate articles in terms of how well the chosen methodology was done.

Example topics include (but are not limited to):

Discursive analysis: this methodology assumes that people are performing actions when they say things. Turn-by-turn talk can be analysed for specific actions, such as ‘repair’ (rectifying someone’s misunderstanding), ‘saying no’ (without actually saying no), ‘summoning’ (without literally asking for it). It is usually done on naturally occurring talk and we will apply it to how couples argue and how people produce gender identities when they talk.

Grounded theory: this is a methodology best applied to understanding processes. The aim is to build a theory that is grounded in (i.e., based on) the data that can explain how the process works. For example, grounded theory can be used to explain how the evolving nature of ‘pride’ can contribute to developing, maintaining, and recovering from eating disorders.

Interpretative phenomenological analysis: this is a highly idiographic methodology that aims to understand the experiences of individuals. Sample sizes are usually very small. The data analysis looks similar to Thematic Analysis, except that it is done on one person, and the focus is specifically on phenomenology. For instance, we will look at studies that have used this methodology to understand the experiences of Autistic people.

Ethnography: this methodology aims to understand groups or cultures and how they function. It often involves the researcher immersing themselves in the particular culture of interest and studying behaviour in its natural form.

**Please note that some of the research articles include sensitive topics such as grief, self-harm, suicide and eating disorders.

Teaching
Lectures will be semi-flipped, in that you will be asked to do some reading beforehand, which will be the basis for interactive elements within the lecture.

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

More Information about Week Numbers

There are no assessments for this course.