Qualitative Methods and Research Design

This course is dedicated to qualitative research tools and analysis. We give particular attention to methodological reflection, comparative analysis and the links between research questions and research design.

None.

A student who has completed his or her qualification has the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge and skills:

Knowledge

The student has

• thorough knowledge of the research process
• advanced knowledge of qualitative research designs: their appropriate use as well as strengths and limitations
• advanced conceptual tools to be applied in discussing, evaluating, and exploring social phenomena.

Skills

The student can

• relate research processes to scientific theory and ethical principles
• apply research methods in a reflective manner and appropriately choose methods that are relevant for different kinds of research questions
• use relevant methods for producing, analysing and interpreting diverse types of empirical data ( e.g. interviews, case-studies and visual data)
• evaluate research based on qualitative methodologies in terms of methodological quality and appropriateness

The course consists of lectures, where students actively participate in group work, practical exercises and group discussions.

Students must take part in at least three practical exercises and submit a coursework requirement, assigned and to be approved by the course lecturer on course related topics. Students whose papers are not approved after the first submission will be given the chance to resubmit once. Papers that are not approved after the second submission will disqualify the student from taking part in the final examination.

The assessment consists of a 4 hour school examination

Students may use a spelling dictionary, as well as a bilingual dictionary during the written school exam.

Students are awarded grades on a descending scale from A to E for pass and F for fail.

Exams are assessed by an internal and an external examiner. External examiners assess a random sample consisting of at least 25 per cent of the exams. The grades given for this sample provide a basis for the internal examiner's assessment. The external examiner will also assess papers where there is doubt about giving a grade of pass.

Randi Wærdahl