This module is assessed by one 2,500 word essay based on the weekly homework
assignments. The submission deadline will be announced on Moodle, via email and in class.
Please note that whichever question you select, you will be assessed according to the same
assessment criteria, which are listed at the end of this document. Your answer must make
reference to the homework assignments you have done during the term (excluding Week
10) and you must attach a selection of at least 4 of the assignments as appendices. Do not
use your homework for Week 10 as one of your appendices. If you do not attach the
homework assignments to your essay, you will automatically fail the module. The
appendices do not count towards the 2,500 word limit.
You should refer to your homework assignments in your essay. Please note that one of the
assessment criteria is how useful and relevant your discussion of the homework
assignments is to your overall argument. Your homework assignments are not assessed in
themselves as long as they are attached. Therefore, if you now feel that you went wrong in
one of your homeworks, it could be the basis of a good essay to discuss what the problems
were and what you would do differently next time.
It is no problem to change your topic or research question over the course of the term, but
you might find it easier when writing your essay if you have tried to stick to the same topic
as far as possible.
Please answer one of the following questions:
1. What have you learned about how to do qualitative research using texts and/or
images through doing your homework this term
NB: A good answer to this question will be specific and address all the assessment
criteria. An answer that goes into depth on a particular topic or idea is likely to be
better than a long list of concepts without any depth or detailed discussion. You
need to choose a specific topic discussed in class and focus your answer accordingly.
For instance, you may like to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of different
methods, the role of interpretation in research on texts and images, engage with a
specific academic debate in detail or any other important issue raised in the module
materials, particularly the readings and your homework assignments.
2. What are the main ethical issues that come up in research using texts and/or images
as data and how should they be addressed
NB: A good answer to this question will be specific and address all the assessment
criteria. You should make reference to your homework assignments focusing on data
collection and analysis and not just Week 3 on Research Ethics.
3. What is the best way of selecting texts and/or images for inclusion in a qualitative
research project Does it depend on the research question and approach If so,
how
NB: A good answer to this question will be specific and address all the assessment
criteria. You should make reference to different kinds of methods, using your
homework assignments as examples.
4. How should qualitative research using texts and/or images be evaluated
NB: A good answer to this question will be specific and address all the assessment
criteria. You should make reference to different kinds of methods, using your
homework assignments as examples.
5. How should qualitative research using texts and/or images be communicated
NB: A good answer to this question will be specific and address all the assessment
criteria. You should make reference to different kinds of methods, using your
homework assignments as examples.
Assessment criteria
You will be judged in your essay against the following criteria and not by any other standard.
All essays are judged by the same criteria.
Accuracy of understanding of module materials, particularly the relevant compulsory
reading. You do not have to show understanding of readings that are not relevant
Clarity and accuracy of explanation of key issues, debates and ideas in the qualitative
research methods under discussion
Depth of understanding of the particular issues or ideas under discussion (eg
Research Ethics, sampling and selection, evaluation of research, communication of
research, or other issue covered in class)
Thoughtfulness and originality of discussion of the potential and pitfalls in qualitative
research
Clarity and persuasiveness of argument about how qualitative research might best
be conducted to answer a given research question/s
Usefulness and relevance of the included homework assignments to the essay’s
argument
Persuasiveness and relevance of answer to the question you were asked
Relevance and usefulness of wider research and study beyond the module materials
Accuracy of references and bibliography
Craft of writing. English, grammar, spelling
