SIW4220 Qualitative Methods and Research Design Course description

This course will use a collaborative and portfolio method to provide you with an overview over qualitative research tools and analysis. We give particular attention to methodological reflection, comparative analysis and the links between research questions and research design.

We will go through the main steps of the qualitative research process, and reflect on the process of carrying out these steps, in order to understand the strengths and limitations of various designs.

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 student has

• thorough knowledge of the research process
• advanced knowledge of qualitative research designs: their appropriate use as well as strengths and limitations
• advanced conceptual tools to be applied in discussing, evaluating, and exploring social phenomena.

Skills

The student can

• relate research processes to scientific theory and ethical principles
• apply research methods in a reflective manner and appropriately choose methods that are relevant for different kinds of research questions
• use relevant methods for producing, analysing and interpreting diverse types of empirical data (e.g. interviews, case-studies and visual data)
• evaluate research based on qualitative methodologies in terms of methodological quality and appropriateness

General competence

The student

• has knowledge of general research ethics
• has the ability to reflect critically on the ethical dimensions of data collection, analysis and presentation of data
• has the ability to think critically concerning the development, design and execution of research

This course is designed to inform and enrich the material learned in the research methods courses. It combines a descriptive and a normative approach to reflection on social science.

Among topics covered, are the role of values in research, objectivity, realism, social constructivism, social ontology, feminist philosophy of science, evidence-based policy, and causality.

The following coursework requirements must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• Student must participate in at least four of the seminar exercises.
• An oral presentation, presented by the group, as well as peer feedback to another group's work. The presentation can be anything from a presentation of results from that group's work, to presenting the most interesting group discussion or reflection on course related topics.

Attendance during the group presentation is mandatory, and presentations and feedback must be approved by the course lecturer. Students who are not present or that have not provided input to the group or have not participated in providing feedback to a peer group, and presentations that are not approved, will have to submit an alternative qualification to be able to sit for the examination.

Lack of an approved course work requirement will disqualify the student from taking part in the final examination.

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 student has

• thorough knowledge of main social science philosophy topics relevant to social welfare and health policy studies
• knowledge of theories and concepts enabling systematic reflection on social science

Skills

The student can

• analyse, discuss and evaluate social science from the viewpoint of philosophy of science

General competence

The student has

• thorough understanding of the relation between actual research and theories about research
• a well developed understanding of the foundations of research results and design

The teaching consists of lectures (including electronic lectures), seminars and tutorials related to the coursework requirements. Students are expected to play an active role.

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.

The assessment consists of a six hour school exam.