MASYK4070 Research Methods, Qualitative Approach Course description

Students will be given an introduction on how to prepare and plan a research project within the framework of a qualitative study design. The course provides an introduction to qualitative methodology, enabling students to read and understand scientific articles. The topics are different types of qualitative study designs, the relationship between theory and empirical data, what the role of the researcher entails and reflection on own preconceptions. Methods that are elucidated are observation, interviews (individual and group interviews/focus groups) and document analysis. Data analysis and interpretation is emphasised. The students will develop in-depth knowledge of the assessment of credibility of qualitative research, validity and reliability, critical assessment of research results and publication and dissemination of scientific knowledge.

Students should have completed and passed MASYK/D4050 Theory of Science and Research Methods before starting the course.

Admission to the programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has in-depth knowledge of the research process and ethical challenges in qualitative studies

• is capable of using knowledge about the planning and execution of qualitative studies

• has advanced knowledge of the most commonly used analysis methods in qualitative research

• has in-depth knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative studies

Skills

The student is capable of

• analysing qualitative data, such as different kinds of text material

• taking a critical approach to the interpretation of qualitative data

• identifying and elucidating research ethics issues in their own projects

• systematically presenting findings from qualitative studies

Competence

The student is capable of

• presenting issues of relevance to qualitative design

• disseminating qualitative academic and research results of relevance to the health and social services

• communicating ethical considerations concerning the dissemination of health research

• The research process and research ethics

• Qualitative research design and methods

• Data collection, analysis and interpretation of qualitative data

• Presentation of qualitative data

• Work on a project plan in preparation for the master's thesis

Lectures, group work, seminars and self-study.

The following assignment must have been approved in order for a student to be permitted to take the exam:

Interview carried out individually, with individual presentation:

Students will develop a semi-structured interview guide based on a selected issue and/or research question, carry out an interview, transcribe the content and analyse and present the main findings from the interview.

Individual home exam over three days. Scope: 2,500 words (+/- 10%).

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Grade scale A-F.

All exam papers are assessed by two examiners. An external examiner will grade 20% of the exam papers. The internal examiner then continues grading the rest of the papers together with another internal examiner. The external examiner's assessment shall benefit all the students.

MASYK4070, MASYD4070 and MAPO4070 overlap 100%.