Qualitative research methods and analysis

This master-level course is in the field of qualitative inquiry. The course aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge of qualitative research methods, enabling them to independently plan, design, and execute research projects, such as a master’s thesis. Through a combination of foundational readings, interactive group activities, and collaborative discussions, students will explore key areas, among other things:

• research philosophy and critical inquiry in qualitative research.
• formulating clear, focused, and researchable questions that guide qualitative studies.
• designing qualitative studies from study designs, sampling strategies, reliability and validity considerations, to ethical principles, and SIKT protocols.
• develop data collection tools such as interview guides, focus group discussion protocols, and observation checklists.
• gain hands-on experience with at least one computer-aided qualitative data analysis (CAQDAS) tool.
• apply varied techniques for analyzing qualitative data and presentation of findings in an ethical and impactful manner.

Knowledge

Through the course the students will gain

• knowledge of the different epistemological stances and their influence on qualitative research design, methodology, and interpretation.
• knowledge of different qualitative research methods and techniques, ensuring their suitability for different types of research problems and research questions.
• knowledge of qualitative data collection methods, such as interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and document analysis.
• Knowledge of analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of qualitative findings.

Skills

Through the course the students will be able to

• define and articulate research problems and questions that are best addressed using qualitative methods, ensuring alignment with suitable theoretical frameworks.
• design qualitative studies, selecting and justifying the research designs, sampling decisions, and data collection protocols as suited for specific research objectives.
• collect, code, and analyze textual, visual, or multimodal qualitative data, using manual techniques and/or by aid of CAQDAS tools.
• plan, carry out and report on a research project using qualitative methods and techniques.
• apply AI tools in an ethical and critical way in research projects to complement and improve the quality of research.

General competence

On completion of the course, the student should be able to

• formulate well-defined and researchable qualitative problems grounded in theoretical and methodological frameworks.
• develop a research plan that address appropriate methods, ethical considerations, and contextual relevance.
• conduct and report research findings effectively, demonstrating both scientific rigor and adherence to current ethical standards.
• document and communicate the role of AI tools in their research process to allow transparency and reproducibility of their research methods.

The course emphasizes student-active forms of learning such as «flipped classroom», peer assessments, group exercises, project-based work, and supervision. While lectures will be included to introduce and clarify key concepts, their use will be minimal, prioritizing interactive and participatory approaches.

Throughout the semester, students will collaborate in groups of 2 and in some cases individually, to develop and execute a research project, culminating in a final research report that serves as the course’s examination. Active participation is a core component of the course, and some elements of the teaching plan will therefore be mandatory to ensure all students benefit fully from the interactive learning environment. The pedagogical structure of the course aims to cultivate the critical thinking skills necessary for independent research as well as critical inquiry.

Compulsory assignments

Students will work in pairs and in some cases individually on different research designs for their project and evaluate their peers' research designs based on provided guidelines. Students will be required to prepare for and actively participate in at least 80% of the seminars in the course.