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Why Experience Matters

Qualitative Research

Nick Barter, Angela Victor, Chris Rawson, Christopher Stevenson, and Georgie Lowe

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is aimed at anyone interested in research. It may be of particular interest to people who are undertaking a research project related to their profession or area of study. You can use the hashtag #FLexperiencematters to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

How qualitative research helps solve social problems and understand human behaviour.
Key assumptions underlying qualitative research methodology.
Qualitative research approaches, including ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory and discourse analysis.
Choosing a qualitative research topic.
Methods of collecting qualitative data, including interviews, focus groups and observation.
Key principles for maintaining integrity with data collection.
Qualitative research data analysis methods.
Creating a qualitative research planning document.

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive qualitative research foundation

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and foundational introduction to qualitative research. Students appreciate its coverage of various methodologies like ethnography, phenomenology, and grounded theory, finding the explanations clear and easy to follow. Many highlight the practical tips on choosing topics, data collection, and analysis methods, which are particularly valuable for those undertaking research projects. While providing a robust theoretical framework, some students note it can be more conceptual than hands-on, suggesting a need for additional in-depth resources or practical exercises to become an expert in a single method.

Well-organized content with clear explanations of complex ideas.

"The explanations were clear and easy to follow."

"The way it breaks down complex qualitative approaches into digestible modules is fantastic."

"A very well-structured course! The course material was clear, and the examples provided were helpful..."

"The discussions on grounded theory and discourse analysis were enlightening, making complex topics accessible."

Offers actionable tips for real-world research projects.

"The practical tips on choosing a topic and data collection were very useful for my ongoing project."

"The section on data analysis was particularly insightful, providing actionable strategies. The course provided a robust framework for approaching my own research planning."

"The segments on interviews and focus groups were invaluable for my work."

"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work, such as the research planning document."

Provides a broad and solid introduction to qualitative research.

"This course truly helps you understand why experience matters in research. It breaks down complex qualitative approaches into digestible modules."

"I really benefited from the broad overview of qualitative research methods. It's a strong foundation without being overwhelming."

"Perfect for understanding the core concepts of qualitative research. I feel much more confident in selecting appropriate methods for my research."

"A very well-structured course! It provides a comprehensive understanding of qualitative research, from theory to practical application."

Some felt the pace was rushed or hoped for more interactivity.

"It covers a lot but sometimes felt a bit rushed. I think it tries to cover too much for the format."

"I struggled with the pace and needed to look up additional resources for data analysis techniques."

"I was hoping for more practical exercises to apply the concepts immediately. It's more theoretical than I anticipated."

"The readings were informative, but I felt some topics could benefit from more interactive exercises."

Balances breadth of topics with a need for deeper dives.

"I wished for more in-depth examples or case studies, especially for data analysis, but it's a solid starting point."

"Don't expect to become an expert in any single method. It provides a strong theoretical understanding, but I'll need to do further reading for practical application."

"I felt it was a little light on the actual 'how-to' for some of the more complex analysis methods. It's more conceptual than hands-on."

"This course felt somewhat superficial. It touches on many qualitative methods but doesn't go deep enough into any of them."

Career center

Learners who complete Why Experience Matters: Qualitative Research will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Why Experience Matters: Qualitative Research.

Being and Nothingness

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Examining the concepts of being and nothingness, this seminal work explores consciousness, freedom, responsibility, and the existential nature of human existence.

Why Experience Matters

Topics Covered

Topics Covered

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive qualitative research foundation

Career center

Reading list

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