Bristol UWE - Module specification: RESEARCHING BENEATH THE SURFACE

University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Template revised October 2005)

Code: UPSN7U-30-M Title: Researching Beneath the Surface Version: 2

Level: M UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15

Module type: Project

Owning Faculty: Social Sciences & Humanities Field: Sociology

Valid from: September 2008 Discontinued from:

Contributes towards: MSc in Psycho-Social Studies

Pre-requisites: none

Co-requisites: none

Excluded combinations: none

Learning outcomes:

On completion of the module students are expected to demonstrate:

• A critical grasp of the epistemological implications of the existence of the unconscious in its dynamic and relational forms (assessment component A1 & 2)

• An understanding of the connections between i) different ways of knowing and different methods of inquiry, ii) processes of inquiry and processes of intervention (components A1 & 2).

• A detailed grasp of the implications of an understanding of the internal world for traditional qualitative research methodologies, particularly interview and observation based forms of inquiry (component A2).

• An appreciation of a variety of new methods of inquiry into the unconscious life of the individual, organisation and society (component A2).

• An understanding of the psycho-politics of interpretation and data analysis (components A1 & 2).

• The skills necessary to operationalise at least two psycho-social methods of inquiry (component A2).

• A reflexive awareness of the ethical issues posed by ‘deep inquiry’ methods of data generation and analysis (component A1).

Syllabus outline – will include the following headings and selections of elements from within them

1. Epistemology:

• Positivism, hermeneutics and depth hermeneutics.

• Objectivity and validity in the exploration of human experience.

• The links between epistemology and methodology.

• Methodology - from research to inquiry to intervention

2. Putting the ‘psyche’ into social research:

• The psychodynamics of the research encounter: transference/countertransference; defended subjects/defended researchers.

• ‘Double reflexivity’ – the interpenetration of power, affect and unconscious phantasy.

• Psycho-social approaches to interviewing.

• Psycho-social approaches to observation.

3. Methodologies of Inquiry:

• Life history/biographical interviewing.

• Psycho-social action research.

• Methods of Group Inquiry: Implications of Group Relations and Group Analytic traditions.

• Visualisation Techniques: imagery, artwork, photography as methods of exploration.

• The use of dreams: individual and social dreaming.

• Dramaturgical techniques: the example of Forum Theatre.

• Psychoanalytic ethnography.

• The ethics of ‘deep inquiry’.

4. Data Analysis ‘in depth’

• Interpretation and analysis: Psychoanalytic debates.

• Non positivistic approaches to validity: dialogic models of objectivity.

• Making sense of data: interview tapes and transcripts, notes of observations, fieldwork notes, reflexive diaries, imagery, etc.

• The uses and limitations of computer software packages in data analysis.

• The ethics of ‘depth analysis’.

Teaching and learning methods:

This module will be delivered in the form of a short course comprising two three day workshops. The course can be taken either as a free standing CPD event or as an accredited module. The two workshops will be three months apart allowing time for assignments to be undertaken. A variety of methods will be used including lectures and small group discussions. There will be a strong emphasis on learning by doing and therefore hands-on approaches to understanding particular methodologies and forms of data analysis. Students will be required to undertake miniature inquires during the module and will use data from these inquiries as material for learning during the course.

Reading Strategy: The volume by Hollway & Jefferson on the indicative reading list will be the set text for the course, it is comprehensive in coverage and available in paperback. A pack of key articles will be placed on short-loan in the library to supplement books and journal articles which are easily available through the library.

Indicative Reading List:

The following list is offered to provide validation panels/accrediting bodies with an indication of the type and level of information students may be expected to consult. As such, its currency may wane during the life span of the module specification. However, as indicated above, CURRENT advice on readings will be available via other more frequently updated mechanisms.

Alvesson, M. and Skoldberg, K. (2000). Reflexive Methodology: New Vistas for Qualitative Research. London: Sage.

Chamberlyne, P, Rustin, M., Wengraf, T. (eds) (2004) Biographicical methods and Professional Practice; An International Perspecive. Bristol, Polity Press.

Hollway, W. and Jefferson, T. (2000) Doing Qualitative Research Differently: Free association, Narrative and the Interview Method. London: Sage.

Hinshelwood, R.D. &. Skogstad, W. (2000) Observing Organisations, London, Routledge

Hunt, J. (1989) Psychoanalytic Aspects of Fieldwork. London: Sage.

Mauthner, M. (ed)(2002) Ethics in Qualitative Research. London. Sage

Reason, P (ed) (1988) Human Inquiry in Action; Developments in New Paradigm Research, London. Sage.

Reid, S (ed) (1997) Developments in Infant Observation: the Tavistock Model. London, Routledge

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B A: 100% B:

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A (Controlled conditions)

1. Reflexive research diary 30%

2. An inquiry project of approximately 5,000 words which

applies concepts and methods from the module. 70%

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

N/A

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is/is not required)