Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Recommended previous knowledge

ME-418 Theory of science and research methodologies

 

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, the student will:
  • be able to give an account of the types of knowledge that different kinds of research methodologies bring about
  • be able to develop and critically assess research design in relation to current problems
  • be familiar with different theoretical and practical approaches in qualitative and quantitative methods
  • be able to decide which analyses and tests should be used in the most common study designs
  • be familiar with the conditions for generalization of results
  • be able to analyze published studies with regard to methodological questions
  • be able to analyze and independently apply knowledge in written work
  • possess in-depth knowledge about which research methods are most frequently used within the professional fields of health and be able to apply these methods independently

Contents

The course includes different types of qualitative and quantitative research methods as well as each method´s theoretical foundation and practical procedures with a special focus on their use within the professional fields of health.

Central topics:

  • Qualitative and quantitative research design
  • Status of knowledge and need of knowledge: Systematic literature search and meta-analysis
  • Choice of topic and clarification of issues
  • Data collection
    • Observation
    • Qualitative interview
    • Evaluation research , action research, and follow-up research
    • Material from archives and record books
    • Case studies
    • Biographical approaches and longitudinal research
  • Analytical approaches
    • Important quantitative analysis including SPSS
    • Qualitative analysis strategies

 

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching will be given as lectures and exercises. Practice in the use of statistical programs will be offered.

  • Lectures
  • Group work
  • Exercises
  • Supervision
  • Self-studies

Estimated work load in this course is approximately 405 hours.

 

 

Examinations

An individual exam in two parts. Letter grades A-F will be given.

  • Part 1: A six-hour written examination in qualitative methods
  • Part 2: A two days home exam in quantitative methods

The two exam parts have equal weight in determining the grade. Both parts must be passed for the exam as a whole to be passed.

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
IDR406 – Applied Research Methods, Experimental design and Statistical Analysis. 15
ME-419 – Research Method, Design and Analysis. 15
ME-415 – Research Methods, Design and Analysis. 10
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 7:39:24 AM