Course - Qualitative Research Methods - SMED8015
Qualitative Research Methods
About
About the course
Course content
The course focuses on giving a general introduction to the principles of qualitative research and a thorough practical experience with data collection and analysis with relevance for medicine and health science. Qualitative research methods are well suited in order to study personal experiences, understanding, reflections and reasoning. The course has a focus on the use of qualitative methods in a medical (natural science) research tradition where an empirical orientation is emphasised. It is therefore a strong focus on the practical aspects of conducting a qualitative study, with practical tasks in conducting interviews, doing analysis and writing method and result presentation. The lectures focus on practical tips and presentations of the steps in conducting a qualitative study. There are also lectures on what qualitative methods are, theoretical background, and different approaches used in qualitative studies.
Learning outcome
SMED8015 trains the student in planning and conducting qualitative research studies. After passing SMED8015, the student has acquired the following skills:
Knowledge
Discuss the adequacy and suitability of different approaches to doing qualitative studies.
Skills
Conduct and lead qualitative data collection and analysis
General proficiency
Understand the role of qualitative research in medicine and health science.
Learning methods and activities
Lectures and assignments, with most of the work done in groups. The course report, which is used for the assessment of the course, is done in groups. A one-day compulsory exam seminar is held approximately 8 weeks after the first week of lectures. In the time between, the students work in groups.
Compulsory assignments
- Two written assignments and transcribed interwiew
- Comment on exam seminar
Further on evaluation
Details about mandatory activities:
- Submission of 2 assignments and transcribed interviews: The two assignments are to write a reflection note based on conducted interviews and one based on experiences with interview analysis. These are assessed as approved/not approved, and if not approved, there is an opportunity to resubmit. The submission of interviews involves delivering a transcript of one individual interview and one group interview.
- Commentator at the exam seminar: The student must participate as a commentator at an exam seminar. This involves providing constructive feedback on fellow students' work and actively participating in discussions.
To participate in the exam seminar, the student must have all mandatory activities approved.
Details about the exam:
The exam consists of submitting a written group assignment that receives a preliminary assessment before a final oral exam seminar is held. This seminar is used for the final assessment of the assignment as passed/not passed. If not passed, a revised written group assignment must be submitted, which will be assessed without an oral component.
Recommended previous knowledge
No previous knowledge of qualitative methods is needed. No other specific requirements, but it is recommended to read a book about qualitative methods before the lectures start as all lectures are held the first week.
Required previous knowledge
Completed Master's degree. Persons admitted to a PhD program at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences have priority.
Course materials
Kirsti Malterud (2017). Kvalitative metoder i medisinsk forskning (4.utgave). Oslo: Universitetsforlaget. 256 sider. ISBN: 9788215028286.
Kirsti Malterud (2012). Fokusgrupper som forskningsmetode for medisin og helsefag. Oslo: Universitetsforlaget. 168 sider. ISBN: 9788215020464.
The set books has to be read before the start of the course due to the course being held during one week. In addition to the set books, there will be some articles provided at the start of the course.
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| HLS3004 | 2.5 sp | Autumn 2010 |
| KLH3015 | 5 sp | Autumn 2015 |
| MH3004 | 5 sp | Autumn 2019 |
| PH3001 | 5 sp | Autumn 2019 |
| MH3008 | 5 sp | Autumn 2022 |
Subject areas
- Health Science
- Medicine