MASYK4070 Research Methods, Qualitative Approach Course description

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

Knowledge

The student has:

• developed in-depth knowledge in visual and material articulation and aesthetic application
• achieved knowledge of theoretical basis and methodologies in practice-based research
• gained in-depth knowledge of material engagement and how the world of things, artifacts, and material signs can be embodied through practical exploration
• gained in-depth knowledge of the interplay between material-aesthetics and object-semantics
• gained knowledge of aesthetic strategies, methods and theory within a practical design research project

Skills

The student is capable of:

• independently running a discovery-led process and stating a relevant research question
• recognising and using relevant practical working methods
• developing concept and material model studies within a specific context
• analysing and reflecting on form and material application using relevant terminology
• dissecting and refining design models systematically
• analysing and synthesising experience from observations and various perceptions
• exhibiting and presenting their research using relevant terminology and tools

General Competence

The student:

• understands the need for and use of practical exploration
• is familiar with terminology and language of practice-based research

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

This subject explores theories and empirical data about mental health care and mental suffering among ethnic minorities. A key theme in the course is developing knowledge on an individual, family and cultural level in order to coordinate and implement appropriate transcultural mental health work. Upon completing this course, students will be competent in evaluating of the need for treatment as well as planning and implementing interventions for patients with different cultural backgrounds.

Admission to the study program and also students in master's programs in the health and/or social welfare at OsloMet and partner universities and with English skills at the B2 level.

• 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

Individual or group portfolio examination. The portfolio consists of:

• design process documentation should include: the final product (model studies and iterations addressing the problem definition or research area), a timeline outlining the process, documentation of model studies, and a presentation of the final product. For individual submissions, the documentation should be 20-35 pages, and for group submissions, it should be 25-45 pages.
• final reflection in appropriate media (written, video, poster etc.) on the design process and end product

Group size: Max 3 students

The examination result can be appealed.

Lectures, cases and group work.

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

Written assignment

• Individual
• Scope: 1000 words (+/- 10%)
• This can be based on field-work or an evaluation of a patient with minority background.

For fieldwork: The student must identify a focus area related to people with mental health problems, observations, field notes, and write a report.

For patient evaluations: The student must identify and explain key areas necessary for understanding the patient’s mental suffering, and propose a well based intervention for the patient, including its social and professional context.

The student is allowed two attempts at passing the written assignment.

Attendance in compulsory activities

• of 80% in study groups and seminars

Home examination

• Written home examination during a 7 day exam period.
• Either written individually or in a group of 2 students.
• Scope: If written as an individual exam the text must be 2500 words (+/- 20%) or 4000 words (+/- 20%) if written as a group.
• Written exam may be in Norwegian or English.

A grading scale of A (highest) to F (lowest) where A to E is a pass grade and F is a fail grade.

If the exam is written by a group, each member of the group will receive the same grade. Students may protest their grades. However, only the student who has protested his/her grade will be affected by the evaluation committee's decision.

Each examination answer paper will be assessed by 2 examiners. An external examiner will assess at least 20% of the answer papers. The assessments provided by the external examiner should benefit all the students.

MASYK4070, MASYD4070 and MAPO4070 overlap 100%.