Qualitative Methods for Evaluation

Subject EDUC90795 (2014)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2014.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24
Total Time Commitment:

120 hours. Attendance at all classes (tutorial/seminars/practical classes/lectures/labs/online classes) is obligatory. Failure to attend 80% of classes will normally result in failure in the subject.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

This subject is open to students in the Master of Evaluation, Master of Evaluation Research, and Postgraduate Certificate in Evaluation.

Non Allowed Subjects:
Subject
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Contact

Education Student Centre
234 Queensberry Street
Call: 13 MELB (13 6352)

Subject Overview:

This subject provides students with an introduction to the collection, display and analysis of qualitative data in applied research and evaluation studies. Topics that will be examined include: orientations to, and criticisms of, qualitative approaches; planning qualitative data collection using particular strategies and methods of data collection (such as interviews, focus groups, participant observation, case study, document analysis, and the use of video recordings); the use of systematic methods of data reduction, display and content analysis (using both hand methods and appropriate computer packages); and issues of trustworthiness and rigor in qualitative research.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this subject it is expected that students should be able to:

  • understand how evaluation/research questions and appropriate data management techniques are linked;
  • select and apply a range of key qualitative data collection techniques; and
  • undertake simple management, analysis and report writing using small-scale qualitative data sets.
Assessment:
  • Online participation (discussion forum and/or activities) equivalent to 1500 words throughout semester, 30%
  • Online test equivalent to 1500 words, due mid-semester, 30%
  • Written task of 2000 words, due end of semester, 40%
Prescribed Texts:

Patton, M.Q.(2002). Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods (3rd Ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Related Course(s): Master of Education (Stream 100B)Coursework
Master of Education (Stream 150)
Master of Evaluation
Master of Evaluation
Postgraduate Certificate in Evaluation

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