Course - Qualitative Research Methods for the master thesis - MET410
Qualitative Research Methods for the master thesis
About
About the course
Course content
The course focuses on the following topics:
- How to understand qualitative research
- Research questions, research design and how to delineate projects
- The role of literature review and theory in qualitative research
- Different methods for data-collection: observations, interviews, document studies etc
- Data analysis and use of software - interpretation, research quality, ethics in qualitative research
Learning outcome
Knowledge:
- Students should have an advanced understanding of principles for qualitative research processes and their challenges.
- They should be able to reflect on how choices of research design including data collection and analytic methods influence the project results.
Skills:
- Students should know of and understand a range of available elements in qualitative research projects.
- Students should understand principles of and be able to collect and analyze qualitative data, as well as understand the practical implications of different choices.
General understanding:
- Students should acquire a sound basis to apply qualitative methods for their master thesis and other research- and investigative projects.
Learning methods and activities
A combination of lectures, presentations, group and independent assignments.
Lectures will to some extent be used to present and discuss a variety of qualitative research designs. Student participation is expected. In sessions a variety of assignments will be presented to train students in different qualitative methodologies. This pertains to the underlying knowledge base, as well as the processes of data collection, data analysis, and critical discussion. Particular attention is given to the relevance of this for the development of the master's thesis.
The course is taught intensively at the beginning of the semester.
Further on evaluation
Assessment will be based on a larger assignment (paper) that focuses on key elements of a research project and an adjusting oral. The thesis must be written in groups of 2-3 students.
Information about the implementation of the oral assesment will be presented at the beginning the course.
The course is only available to students admitted to a study program under "special conditions."
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Accounting and Auditing (MRR)
Economics (MSØK)
Economics (MSØK/5)
Economics and Business Administration (MSIVØK5)
Economics and Business Administration (ØAMSC)
Industrial Economics and Technology Management (MTIØT)
International Business and Marketing (860MIB)
Management of Technology (ØAMLT)
Recommended previous knowledge
A basic course in research methods.
Required previous knowledge
None
Course materials
Course literature will be announced at the latest in the beginning of the course.
Subject areas
- Economics and Administration