ME-429 Qualitative Research Methods (Vår 2024)

ME-435 Philosophy of science

ME-427 Introduction to Research methods

Students:

Knowledge

• will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge about the distinctive character of the qualitative method, its area of application and scientific theoretical foundation
• will be able to 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

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

General competence

• will be able to analyse and ask relevant scientific and methodological questions
• will be able to critically reflect on one's own research and that of others
• will be able to independently design qualitative research projects in correspondence with research 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 connected to the project plan will be included in the course.

Main themes in the course:

• 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
• Independent studies

Estimated student workload in this course is approximately 270 hours.

Approved compulsory assignments. See the course booklet for further details.