Qualitative Research and Methods 2, 4.5 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: 

• Apply focus group discussion methods. 
• Apply observational data collection methods.   
• Explain the methodological foundations of secondary data analysis. 
• Conduct advanced qualitative data analysis.  
• Discuss the role of theory in the application of qualitative methods. 
• Discuss reflexivity, trustworthiness and ethics of advanced qualitative data collection and analysis. 

This course builds on the foundational skills developed in Qualitative Research and Methods 1, advancing students' abilities in qualitative research methods and data analysis. It focuses on more complex techniques, such as conducting focus group discussions, observational data collection, and secondary data analysis, which are essential for deeper exploration of social and behavioural factors in global health. These methods allow researchers to gather rich data from diverse sources and apply it to real-world contexts. 

Students will gain hands-on experience in developing and facilitating focus group discussions, learning how to create an environment that encourages open and meaningful dialogue. The course also covers observational data collection methods, helping students understand how to systematically capture and analyse behaviours and interactions between people and their environment in various settings. Additionally, students will be introduced to secondary data analysis, including the use of social media and internet research, expanding their ability to work with existing qualitative data sources. 

The course emphasises advanced qualitative data analysis that incorporates both inductive and deductive approaches and teach students to conduct this analysis by integrating research questions, aspects of study design, sampling and analysis type. Throughout the course, ethical considerations, trustworthiness, and reflexivity are integral, ensuring students critically engage with their own role in the research process and maintain high ethical standards in their work. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to apply and generate knowledge using these advanced methods in both research and practice. 

The teaching methods include lectures, seminars using case study examples and interactive learning activities where focus group discussion and thematic data analysis skills can be developed. 

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 students must fulfil all the established criteria for the compulsory elements to pass the course. 

Compulsory participation
Participation in group and individual projects with written submissions, presentations, seminars and practical exercises 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.