Course content

The course provides a basic introduction to qualitative methods at Master's level with an emphasis on approaches in use within medicine and health sciences. Central themes include design, selection, data collection, analysis, reporting, research ethics and quality assessment of qualitative studies. It is emphasised which research questions are suitable to be answered with qualitative methods. Students are given practical experience in carrying out qualitative studies, with particular emphasis on design, data collection, analysis and presentation of results. Data collection will include individual and group interviews, observation and documents. Analysis emphasizes the common features and differences in different approaches to provide a basis for understanding and evaluating different analytical approaches.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

After completing and passing the course, the student has

• In-depth knowledge of qualitative research methods' history, characteristics and theoretical foundation of knowledge
• Knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of different qualitative methods
• In-depth knowledge of validity and reliability in qualitative studies
• Knowledge of the usual research ethics principles and in-depth knowledge of research ethics in qualitative research
• Knowledge of how a protocol for qualitative studies can be designed
• Knowledge of how to make a simple critical assessment of review articles that include qualitative studies

Skills

After completing and passing the course, the student can:

• Apply their knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of different qualitative methods in planning a qualitative study
• Collect qualitative data in different ways
• Analyse and present the results of a qualitative study
• Make regular research ethics assessments for qualitative studies
• Present an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of common methodological choices

General competence

After completing and passing the course, the student can:

• Read and make a simple critical assessment of articles that use qualitative methods and make use of knowledge from qualitative studies
• Master common forms of expression and terminology used in qualitative research
• Apply their knowledge and skills about qualitative methods to plan a qualitative study under supervision
• Communicate what qualitative methods are to the general public

Learning methods and activities

The teaching activities consist of lectures, group-based exercises including a compulsory course assignment, and presentation of and feedback on the exercises in larger groups. On days with timetabled teaching, there is an alternation between lectures, work with exercises in groups, and review of exercises. There will also be work on the exercises between days of timetabled teaching. The work in the groups is self-organized.

Compulsory assignments

• Course report - Compulsory group based written task

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Required previous knowledge

Completed bachelor's degree or equivalent.

Course materials

An introductory book on qualitative methods and a compendium with complementary material. The details will be available at the start of the course

Credit reductions