Qualitative Research Methods

Upon successful completion of the course students will:

Knowledge

• demonstrate advanced knowledge about the distinctive character of the qualitative method, its area of application and scientific theoretical foundation
• demonstrate thorough ethical judgement both in relation to one's own role as a researcher and how the data collection may influence people's lives

Skills

• be able to independently identify and evaluate relevant qualitaitve methodological aspects related to a limited problem
• be able to apply methods for data collection and analysis of qualitative data as well as reporting empirical data
• be able to independently apply research design for qualitative projects

General competence

• be able to analyse and ask relevant scientific and methodological questions
• be able to critically reflect on one's own research and that of others
• be able to independently design qualitative research projects in correspondance with research ethical guidelines

The course offers knowledge on challenges and critical use of qualitative research design. It will give extensive understanding of how to design qualitative studies related to definite problems in the disciplines of the participating students. The course focuses on qualitative analyses and how these should be interpreted and presented. Work related to the project plan will be included in the course.

Main topics:

• Research design
• Different qualitative data collection methods
• Different qualitative methods of analysis
• The discussion of qualitative findings
• The presentation of findings in a scientific context
• Research ethical reflections

• Lectures with exercises
• Group work
• Self-study

Estimated student workload in this course is approximately 270 hours.