Qualitative methods, 7.5 credits

Bachelor's degree or professional qualification worth at least 180 credits in public health science, healthcare or other relevant social sciences subject area. English language skills equivalent to English B at Swedish upper secondary school.

After completion of the course, the student should be able to:
• describe key characteristics of qualitative research, its main applications and contributions
• describe and discuss key characteristics of qualitative data collection methods and reflect over their main advantages and challenges
• describe key characteristics of main qualitative analysis methods
• describe and recognize quality in qualitative research including the qualitative definition of reliability, validity and transferability
• make informed decisions about which types of research questions are best answered using qualitative methods
• contrast qualitative and quantitative approaches and understand when these are best used singly or in combination

The course is introductory, which means the aim of lectures and practical assignments is to provide the student with a basic understanding of the purpose and use of qualitative methods. The lectures and workshops therefore deal with the epistemological and methodological points of departure for qualitative research, and how scientific issue and choice of method relate. The course also focus on advantages and challenges with qualitative data collection methods (interviews and observations), different methodological programs (e.g. grounded theory, ethnography) and their most important methods for analysis (e.g. content and thematic analysis, discourse analysis).

Practical individual and group assignments are mixed with theoretical lectures, in order to promote the students scientific thinking as well as their practical skills. During the course the students construct interview guides, plan and carry out observations, they conduct interviews and they practice analyzing the results from interviews and observations. With these exercises as background quality and transferability in qualitative studies are discussed in groups and class. Specific ethical aspects of different phases in qualitative research are discussed throughout the course.

The course is problem-oriented and comprises lectures, practical individual and group assignments, seminars and literature studies.

An individual written examination is given at the end of the course, on which the grade is based. Students will conduct individual and group assignments which are presented in writing and orally at seminars. Completing these assignments is mandatory.

Compulsory participation
Compulsory attendance applies to all practical exercises and seminars. The course director assesses if and, in that case, how absence can be compensated. Before the student has participated in all compulsory parts or compensated absence in accordance with the course director's instructions, the student's results for the course/respective part will not be registered in LADOK.

Examination will be provided during a time of two years after a possible cancellation of the course. Examination can take place according to an earlier literature list during a time of one year after the date when a major renewal of the literature list has been made.
 

Course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Education.

The course language is English.