Course - Qualitative research methods and analysis - IDS4000
Qualitative research methods and analysis
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About the course
Course content
This master-level course is in the field of qualitative inquiry. The course aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge of qualitative research methods, enabling them to independently plan, design, and execute research projects, such as a master’s thesis. Through a combination of foundational readings, interactive group activities, and collaborative discussions, students will explore key areas, among other things:
- research philosophy and critical inquiry in qualitative research.
- formulating clear, focused, and researchable questions that guide qualitative studies.
- designing qualitative studies from study designs, sampling strategies, reliability and validity considerations, to ethical principles, and SIKT protocols.
- develop data collection tools such as interview guides, focus group discussion protocols, and observation checklists.
- gain hands-on experience with at least one computer-aided qualitative data analysis (CAQDAS) tool.
- apply varied techniques for analyzing qualitative data and presentation of findings in an ethical and impactful manner.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
Through the course the students will gain
- knowledge of the different epistemological stances and their influence on qualitative research design, methodology, and interpretation.
- knowledge of different qualitative research methods and techniques, ensuring their suitability for different types of research problems and research questions.
- knowledge of qualitative data collection methods, such as interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and document analysis.
- Knowledge of analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of qualitative findings.
Skills
Through the course the students will be able to
- define and articulate research problems and questions that are best addressed using qualitative methods, ensuring alignment with suitable theoretical frameworks.
- design qualitative studies, selecting and justifying the research designs, sampling decisions, and data collection protocols as suited for specific research objectives.
- collect, code, and analyze textual, visual, or multimodal qualitative data, using manual techniques and/or by aid of CAQDAS tools.
- plan, carry out and report on a research project using qualitative methods and techniques.
- apply AI tools critically in research projects to complement and improve the quality of research.
General competence
On completion of the course, the student should be able to
- formulate well-defined and researchable qualitative problems grounded in theoretical and methodological frameworks.
- develop a research plan that address appropriate methods, ethical considerations, and contextual relevance.
- conduct and report research findings effectively, demonstrating both scientific rigor and adherence to current ethical standards.
- document and communicate the role of AI tools in their research process to allow transparency and reproducibility of their research methods.
Learning methods and activities
The course emphasizes student-active forms of learning such as «flipped classroom», peer assessments, group exercises, project-based work, and supervision. While lectures will be included to introduce and clarify key concepts, their use will be minimal, prioritizing interactive and participatory approaches.
Throughout the semester, students will collaborate in groups of 2 and in some cases individually, to develop and execute a research project, culminating in a final research report that serves as the course’s examination. Active participation is a core component of the course, and some elements of the teaching plan will therefore be mandatory to ensure all students benefit fully from the interactive learning environment. The pedagogical structure of the course aims to cultivate the critical thinking skills necessary for independent research as well as critical inquiry.
Compulsory assignments
Students will work in pairs and in some cases individually on different research designs for their project and evaluate their peers' research designs based on provided guidelines. Students will be required to prepare for and actively participate in at least 80% of the seminars in the course.
Compulsory assignments
- One counselling and fellow student assessments
- Compulsory seminar preparation and participation (80%)
Further on evaluation
Assessment method and grading scale
The exam in the course is research project report. Students will complete the research project in groups (2 students) and in allowable cases, individually. The report will be assessed using the A-F letter grade scale.
Special conditions
- Students must complete and receive approval for all compulsory activities to be eligible for the exam.
- The course does not offer a re-sit exam; however, previously completed compulsory activities will remain valid until substantial changes are done with respect to course content.
Recommended previous knowledge
Basic understanding of data collection methods and one or more research strategies within qualitative research.
Required previous knowledge
Admission to a master programme.
Those in other master’s programs can take the course but must confirm with their department whether it counts toward their degree.
Course materials
The main course books are:
- Leedy, Paul. D., & Ormrod, Jeanne Ellis (2021, or newest editions). Practical research. Planning and design. Boston, MA: Pearson.
- Tjora, Aksel. (2021 or newest editions). Kvalitative forskningsmetoder i praksis. Gyldendal akademisk.
These will be supplemented by a number of journal articles and readings per seminar. These will be announced at the start of the course.
Subject areas
- Economics and Administration
Contact information
Course coordinator
Lecturers
Department with academic responsibility
Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management