Qualitative methods, 7.5 credits

Bachelor's degree or vocational training corresponding to 180 ECTS credits (120 credits in previous Swedish system) in public health sciences, health care, or another relevant medical or social science subject area

The student should after the completion of the course have the ability to: - understand and analyse qualitative research applications from a theory of science perspective, - compare different methods for systematic collection and analyses of qualitative data, - critically analyse articles using qualitative approaches, - estimate validity and trustworthiness in qualitative research, - reflect on qualitative dimensions of his or her own research: plan data collection, analysis and presentation of data, which illuminates a qualitative research question

Foundations of theory of science for quantitative and qualitative methods as well as criteria for validity and trustworthiness of qualitative studies are illustrated. The relation between the research question and the choice of method is emphasized, as are similarities and differences between different approaches in qualitative method. Specific areas that are illuminated in the course are the qualitative research interview, individually and in focus groups, observation as data collection method, content analysis and ethical aspects of qualitative research. Qualitative applications within the different tracks of the programme are presented.

The course will be problem oriented and consist of a mixture of lectures, group work and exercises, individual work, seminars and literature studies. Attendance is mandatory at seminars, group works, individual work as well as sessions containing practical exercises, e.g. focus group discussions, qualitative interview method, observation and assignments on coding. If absent from mandatory sessions the student will need to conduct complementary tasks to hand in.

An individual written examination is given at the end of the course. In the course students will also conduct individual and group assignments which are presented in writing and orally at seminars.