Qualitative research methods in physical education

In this course, students will learn the basics of applying qualitative research methods in physical education as a research field. The course aims to develop an in-depth understanding of what qualitatively oriented research and development work entails and strengthen the students' ability to critically reflect on researchable issues in physical education. The course develops the students' scientific-theoretical understanding of the specificity of qualitative research methods, and the theoretical basis for choosing different methods. The course covers various qualitative methods, with a special focus on observation. Through the course the students will learn how qualitative analyzes can be carried out to elucidate relevant issues in relation to physical education as a school subject.

Knowledge

The student is expected at the completion of the course to

• Have in-depth knowledge of the scientific theoretical basis for qualitative research methods
• Have insight into the application of different approaches to qualitative analyzes
• Gained knowledge about observation and other central methods for qualitative empirical work in physical education

Skills

The student is expected at the completion of the course to

• Be able to form, discuss and produce qualitative research questions and issues
• Be able to describe, explain and discuss principles for the selection of qualitative methods in physical education
• Be able to select and conduct relevant qualitative analyzes

General competence

The student is expected at the completion of the course to

• Have integrated knowledge in physical education as a research field in order to formulate research questions
• Have the competence to apply relevant scientific perspectives, design, methods and analysis - be able to assess quality in qualitative research in physical education

Seminars, workshops, group work, individual work, lectures, practical exercises in analysis