Qualitative Research in Public Health: Understanding Epistemologies and Methodologies

Learning Outcomes

This assessment addresses the following learning outcomes:

a) Understand epistemologies as they relate to qualitative research and when to use qualitative methodology

b) Critically evaluate different theoretical and methodological approaches to qualitative research

d) Appreciate cultural and ethical considerations for qualitative research in Public Health

e) Understand sampling techniques, bias and rigour as they apply to qualitative research

This assessment involves developing a research question, preparing interview and probe questions, identifying four people that you can interview on this topic (for example, your family or friends, colleagues), and reflecting on your motivation and justification of your research proposal.

Develop a research question (similar to the ones you have explored throughout this subject) that supports qualitative exploration of a topic of your choice.

Prepare a research proposal for your qualitative project. You must include:

• A brief literature review to summarise the existing knowledge in this space, and justify your proposed project.
• Your research question and the knowledge gap that it will address.
• A summary of the key elements of your chosen methodology (ie grounded theory, phenomenology etc) and why it is appropriate for exploring your research question.
• Your methods, including how you will select your participants (in this case, four people whom you already know).
• Your interview questions.
• A personal reflection on your motivation for exploring this research question