‘What are the causes behind UK’s decision to leave the European Union?’

The vote by the British people to leave the European Union sent shockwaves across the continent of Europe and beyond. It is one of the most significant events in Europe since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and may well mark the beginning of the end of the European Union as we have known it. You are commissioned by the UK Parliament to carry out a qualitative research project in the UK. The aim of the study is to use a qualitative methodology and investigate the Leave vs. Remain campaign before the June 2016 referendum, in order to evaluate, for example, the work of the Parliament prior to the referendum. (remember this is a hypothetical situation) Tasks for this Assignment: Outline the situation (500 words – using UK governmental, EU websites, BBC, Think Tanks, etc.) Explain your research strategy (including rationale/justification, why are you doing it this way; methodology, sample, access) Which qualitative methods you would use (focus groups, semi-structured interviews, in-depth interviews, participant observation, biography/life story) Discuss rationale/justification, advantages and disadvantages for each methodological decision Think of politics and ethics of this research Sources: You need to use 3 sources to outline the situation, and at least 5 academic sources on research methods. Reference correctly and provide a full bibliography. Your paper will be assessed on the following criteria: reading and use of sources completing the tasks outlined above level of understanding of operationalising a topic and selecting the right methods academic skills such as writing and conceptualising