EPN-V2

SFF4120 Qualitative research methods and designs Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Kvalitative forskningsmetoder og -design
Study programme
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Child Care, part-time
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Child Care
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Family Therapy, part time
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Social Work, part-time
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Social Work
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2024/2025
Curriculum
SPRING 2025
Schedule
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

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.

Required preliminary courses

None.

Learning outcomes

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

Knowledge

The student has

  • advanced knowledge of qualitative research methods, including interview methods, observation methods and use of texts and other available sources
  • in-depth knowledge of applying theory in qualitative analysis
  • in-depth knowledge of quality assessment in qualitative research traditions
  • advanced knowledge of the dissemination of results
  • in-depth knowledge of issues in research ethics when using qualitative methods

Skills

The student can

  • engage in methodological reflection on the relationship between research questions and choice of methods
  • plan and conduct data collection using different qualitative methods
  • evaluate research ethics issues when using different qualitative methods
  • analyse qualitative data and use theory as a tool in their analysis
  • engage in methodological and critical reflection on other research literature

General competence

The student

  • can evaluate which questions can be empirically studied
  • can plan and carry out small-scale research projects
  • is familiar with and able to reflect on different consequences of conducting research
  • is familiar with and can comply with ethical guidelines in research

Teaching and learning methods

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.

Course requirements

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.

Assessment

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

Permitted exam materials and equipment

No aids are permitted.

Grading scale

Grade scale A-F.

Examiners

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.

Course contact person

Randi Wærdahl and Erik Børve Rasmussen