SFF4120 Qualitative research methods and designs Course description

The course covers different traditions and theoretical bases for knowledge production in qualitative social science research methodology, the relationship between research questions and research designs, analytical perspectives, quality requirements relating to qualitative studies, and research ethics issues.

It also includes practising how to develop a researchable research question, produce and process empirical material, and analyse and disseminate the results of a qualitative study. 

Language of instruction is Norwegian.

None. 

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The students have

• in-depth knowledge of qualitative research design 
• advanced knowledge of different interview and observation methods and sound knowledge of other types of empirical data 
• in-depth knowledge of privacy issues and applied research ethics  in qualitative studies
• advanced knowledge of the dissemination of results
• in-depth knowledge of applying theory in qualitative analysis 

Skills

The students can

• engage in methodological reflection on the relationship between research questions and design and prepare project outlines on this basis
• conduct research using qualitative methods
• analyse an empirical material  and apply theory as a tool in their analysis
• engage in methodological and critical reflection on other research literature
• evaluate research ethics issues 

General competence

The students

• can evaluate which questions can be empirically studied 
• can plan and carry out small-scale research projects
• are familiar with and able to reflect on different consequences of conducting research
• can apply ethical discretion in relation to their own role as researchers and how their participation in research can intervene in people's lives
• are familiar with and can comply with ethical guidelines 

The teaching methods used vary between lectures and seminars, and a high degree of student activity is expected.

Students are divided into groups that work together throughout the course. The groups also present the required coursework together.

The groups will take part in seminars led by teaching staff in which they will receive project work training and supervision. Otherwise, the groups are responsible for managing their own project, included the division of work between group members.

The following required coursework must be approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• The student must have contributed to their group, and the group must confirm that all group members have participated in and contributed to the work. The group delivers the work requirement in the form of a joint oral presentation in the last week of the course. The work requirement consists of a reflection on methodological choices in the project design.

Required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam. If the coursework is not approved on the first submission, the group will be given one opportunity to re-submit. Coursework that is not approved on the second submission will disqualify the group or absent students from taking the exam. 

Special reasons are required for individual submission of required coursework to be allowed, and such submission is subject to agreement with and approval by the lecturer.

The exam in the course is an individual four-hour supervised exam. 

No aids are permitted. 

Grade scale A-F.

The exam papers are assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

At least 25% of the exam papers will be assessed by two examiners. The grades awarded for the papers assessed by two examiners form the basis for determining the level for all the exam papers.

Randi Wærdahl and Erik Børve Rasmussen