Assignment Brief:

Assessment Title:  An evaluation of the Qualitative method and data analysis involved in
researching *an agreed topic in Sociology/ Criminology (*please insert your topic in your
submission)

3000 words maximum (+/- 10%), excluding transcripts, coded transcripts and any
extracts from transcripts and bibliography.

The individual word limits are for guidance

You must structure your report use the following subheadings

1          Brief introduction (approx. 150 words) * If you prefer you can place your
Research Question within your Introduction

2          Topic Literature Review (approx. 750 words)

3         *Your research question(s) (approx. 100 words including brief explanation)

4          Brief account of interpretative approach and interview method used and

rationale in relation to your research aim(s) (approx. 200 words)

5          Critical evaluation of methodology, method and data analysis used (approx.

1500 words)

Drawing on methodological literature, existing research, your practical experiences and

where relevant, reflections on your presentation feedback, critically  discuss:

Strengths and weaknesses of interpretivist methodology and interview method in

relation to your research aims
Critical reflections on development and use of your interview guide.
Discussion of the interview interaction; what was said and how was it said?
Data analysis with conclusions.
Discussion of your experience using Nvivo
Discussion of the coding decisions you took e.g. moving extracts to alternative codes,
relabelling codes, hierarchies etc
Alternative criteria to validity and reliability
Ethical issues
Practical concerns
Evaluation of your research process
 Ensure you are reflective and reflexive throughout

You must include examples of NVivo coding, in the form of screenshots, from all
interviews (i.e. not just your own – all group members), where appropriate, in this
section.
6          Discussion and Conclusions (including referring back to literature on your topic)
(approx. 300 words)

7          Bibliography of sources referred to in your report (Harvard Style referencing

must be used)

8            Appendices: Include copy of research tools used (i.e. signed consent form from
your interviewee, blank interview guide and transcribed interviews. Please number lines
of transcripts)

Assessment Criteria

Coverage of the qualitative method applied to your research, including ethics

2. Coverage of  sources relevant to your topic 

3. Coverage of the development and conduct of your research interview

4. Presentation of results and analysis

5. Critical awareness  displayed throughout, literature-informed discussion, final
reflection and conclusion

6. Quality of structure, English and referencing