Qualitative Research and Methods 1, 7.5 credits

A Bachelor's degree or a professional degree equivalent to a Swedish Bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits. And proficiency in English equivalent to English B/English 6.

After the course, the student should be able to: 

• Explain the principles of epistemology and ways of knowing. 
• Describe the types of questions that qualitative research addresses. 
• Explain how to sample and recruit for qualitative research projects. 
• Discuss methods and techniques of qualitative research. 
• Apply interviewing skills. 
• Discuss how to assess quality and rigour in qualitative research. 
• Evaluate the importance of reflexivity and ethics in qualitative research. 

This course introduces students to the core principles and methods of qualitative research. Research is essential for understanding the social, cultural, and behavioural factors that shape health outcomes and inform interventions. Students will explore key concepts from the philosophy of science, such as epistemology and ways of knowing, underpinning qualitative research. The course will explain the types of questions that qualitative research addresses, such as understanding health-seeking behaviours or identifying barriers to healthcare, and how these differ from those addressed by quantitative methods.

Students will develop practical skills in sampling and recruiting participants for qualitative studies. The course introduces classical data collection methods, with a focus on in-depth interviews as a core method of qualitative research. Practical sessions will allow students to apply these techniques, learning how to conduct interviews effectively. Students will also be introduced to mixed methods research, exploring how qualitative and quantitative methods can be combined to answer complex research questions. These skills are applicable in both research and real-world practice, such as conducting community health assessments or evaluating programmes.

Additionally, the course will introduce students to data analysis techniques like thematic analysis. They will learn to assess the quality and rigour in qualitative studies. Concepts such as reflexivity and trustworthiness will be explored in depth to ensure that students can critically evaluate the reliability of qualitative studies. Ethical considerations will also be a central theme, covering essential topics like informed consent, confidentiality, and the role of the researcher. These ethical principles are crucial in ensuring that qualitative research is conducted responsibly in both academic and applied settings.

The teaching methods include lectures, seminars using case study examples and interactive learning activities where interview skills can be applied.  

The course will be examined in an individual assignment graded as fail, pass, or pass with distinction. The course will also include compulsory parts where active participation is required. The compulsory parts include group and individual projects with written submissions, presentations and discussion in seminars and practical exercises. The students must fulfil all the established criteria for the compulsory elements to pass the course. 

Compulsory participation
Participation in the seminars, interactive learning activities and individual assignment is compulsory.

The examiner assesses if, and in that case how, absence from compulsory educational elements can be compensated for. Before the student has participated in the compulsory educational elements or compensated the absence in accordance with the examiner's instructions, the final course results will not be reported. Absence from a compulsory educational component may imply that the student cannot compensate for the missed compulsory educational element until the next time the course is given.

Limitation of number of occasions to write the exam
Students who have not passed the regular examination are entitled to participate in five more examinations. If the student has not passed the exam after four participations, he/she is encouraged to visit the study advisor. If the student has failed six examinations/tests, no additional examination or new admission is provided. The number of times that the student has participated in one and the same examination is regarded as an examination session. Submission of a blank examination is also regarded as an examination. An examination for which the student registered but did not participate in will not be counted as an examination.

If there are special grounds, or a need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the syllabus's regulations on the examination form, the number of examination opportunities, the possibility of supplementation or exemptions from the compulsory section/s of the course etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities may not be changed, removed or reduced.

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.

The course language is English.

Course evaluation is carried out according to the guidelines that are established by the Committee for Higher Education.