PSYED503 – Qualitative Research Methods and Analysis
MSc in Educational Psychology – Distance Learning
Core Course
PSYED503 – Qualitative Research Methods and Analysis
Course Unit Code: PSYED503
Type Of Unit: Distance Learning
Level of Course Unit: Postgraduate
Year of Study: Year 1
Semester: Semester 1
Number of ECTS Credits: 10
Class Contact Hours: 12
Mode of Delivery
Distance Learning
Prerequisites
No
Course Objectives
This course provides a foundation for students seeking to gain expertise in research methods used in Psychology and related scientific disciplines. It introduces students to scientific research and all stages involved in developing a robust research protocol. Students will explore essential tools and techniques needed for conducting rigorous psychological research, with the primary goal of enabling them to understand and critically evaluate methodological approaches.
The course includes the understanding and creation of research tools and techniques for collecting and analyzing qualitative data. Key topics include: qualitative research methods, research design, types of qualitative data collection, research models and frameworks, research questions, and qualitative data analysis methods.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students are expected to:
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Discuss the principles of qualitative research methods
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Understand and discuss ethical considerations in research
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Learn to design effective research studies by formulating research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies (experiments, surveys, interviews, etc.), and developing research designs ensuring validity and reliability
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Acquire knowledge enabling them to follow international developments in psychology
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Recognize the importance of evidence-based research for shaping practices and programs that support learning, development, skill acquisition, and mental well-being
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Develop skills for conducting thorough literature reviews across diverse databases
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Interpret differences among qualitative data analysis techniques and understand their advantages and disadvantages
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Learn how to organize, prepare, and manage qualitative data effectively using appropriate tools and software
Course Content
Introductory Note
THEMATIC UNIT 1: Qualitative Research Methods
THEMATIC UNIT 2: Designing a Research Study
1st Telemeeting
THEMATIC UNIT 3: Models, Frameworks, and Research Questions
THEMATIC UNIT 4: Sampling Methods
2nd Telemeeting
THEMATIC UNIT 5: Strategies
THEMATIC UNIT 6: Interviews
3rd Telemeeting
THEMATIC UNIT 7: Observations
THEMATIC UNIT 8: Qualitative Data Analysis Methods – Thematic Analysis and Content Analysis
4th Telemeeting
THEMATIC UNIT 9: Qualitative Data Analysis Methods – Narrative Analysis
THEMATIC UNIT 10: Qualitative Data Analysis Methods – Grounded Theory Analysis
5th Telemeeting
THEMATIC UNIT 11: Qualitative Data Analysis Methods – Discourse Analysis
THEMATIC UNIT 12: Tools and Software for Qualitative Research Analysis
6th Telemeeting
Course Features
Telemeetings
Six two-hour telemeetings will be held with the course instructor throughout the semester. These sessions encourage in-depth discussion and address any questions arising during the study. Active participation is highly encouraged.
Before each meeting, students must review the course materials posted on the University of Limassol platform, complete reflection and critical-thinking questions for each thematic section, and prepare additional questions for the plenary session.
Assessment
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10% – Five interactive activities (2% each)
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20% – Individual assignment
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20% – Group assignment
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50% – Final examination
All intermediate requirements must be completed to sit the final examination. A minimum overall grade of 55% is required to pass.
Readings
- Papanastasiou, K. & Papanastasiou, E. (2005). Educational Research Methodology. Cyprus Institute of Education, Nicosia.
- Cohen, L. & Manion, L. (2007). Research Methods in Education. Routledge.
- Creswell, J. W. (2011). Educational Research: Planning, Conducting, and Evaluating Quantitative and Qualitative Research. Pearson Education International.
English (UK) 
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