Basic knowledge about qualitative research and methodologies
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the candidate
Knowledge
will have in-depth knowledge of qualitative methodologies, various traditions, and fundamental ideas.
will have in-depth knowledge and understanding of various areas of application for qualitative research methodology.
will have in-depth knowledge of the methodological procedures in some selected approaches.
Skills
can make reflections and judgment on when qualitative methodology is appropriate and how to apply specific methodology in a research project.
can master and critically evaluate the use of qualitative analysis and interpretation of data.
can reuse and cumulate existing knowledge to create innovative ideas to be qualitatively explored.
can carry out such ideas through organizing and conducting research projects.
General competences
can critically evaluate and reflect on qualitative research methodology
can communicate the results of qualitative research at a national and an international level through different channels and in the international scientific debate.
Course contents
The course will offer an introduction to various approaches in qualitative research and methodology. The course will focus different ideologies and traditions underlying qualitative methodology. Further the course will focus what kind of research questions that calls for a qualitative approach and what specific methodological procedures to apply. The course will focus:
Overview of qualitative methods
The hermeneutical perspective
The ethnographical perspective
Grounded Theory
The phenomenological perspective
Teaching methods
This course unit will be taught over 4-5 days course program and an essay. The teaching and learning methods will consist of a combination of lectures, group work and presentations based on the lecture topics and the candidates own ongoing research work.
Examination requirements
The course days, group work, presentations and essay are obligatory.
Assessment methods and criteria
The final assignment is an approximately 10 page long essay based on the course lectures, literature and conversations. The essay will focus on a self-chosen topic related to the course content and to the candidates own project.