ME-429 Qualitative Research Methods
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences
- Course Leader:
- Jan Georg Friesinger
- Lecture Semester:
- Spring
- Teaching language:
- This course is taught in English if English-speaking students attend. If Norwegian students only: Norwegian or English.
- Duration:
- 1 term
The course is connected to the following study programs
- Master's Programme in Public Health Science
- Master's Programme in Clinical Health Science
- Master's Programme in Sports Science
- Master's programme in Psychosocial health
Teaching language
This course is taught in English if English-speaking students attend. If Norwegian students only: Norwegian or English.Recommended prerequisites
ME-435 Philosophy of science
ME-427 Introduction to Research Methods
Course contents
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:
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Research design
-
Different qualitative data collection methods
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Different qualitative methods of analysis
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The discussion of qualitative findings
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The presentation of findings in a scientific context
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Research ethical reflections
Learning outcomes
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
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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
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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
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will be able to independently apply research design for qualitative projects
General competence
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will be able to analyse and ask relevant scientific and methodological questions
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will be able to critically reflect on one's own research and that of others
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will be able to independently design qualitative research projects in correspondence with research guidelines
Examination requirements
Approved compulsory assignments. See the course booklet for further details.
Teaching methods
-
Lectures with exercises
-
Group work
-
Independent studies
Estimated student workload in this course is approximately 270 hours.
Evaluation
The person responsible for the course decides, in consultation with the student representative, the method of evaluation and whether the course will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1.
Assessment methods and criteria
Individual written home exam over five days. Grades A-F will be given.