Qualitative Research Methods

The course aims to provide doctoral candidates with a deeper understanding of important dimensions by completing various qualitative doctoral projects. Different qualitative research designs will be discussed, emphasising the relationship between text as data, the structuring of text and analytical approximations. The course provides a short specialization of the theories of science for qualitative approximations, and continues with focus on more specified advances qualitative methods and analytical perspectives. The course will be problem based, where the participants work together in groups with problems connected to the various topics that are to be presented.

Knowledge:
The candidate...
- has a deeper understanding of qualitative methods as a concept and of the main characteristics in qualitative research including, among others, the concept of “meaning” which is a key element.
- has an in-depth knowledge of various techniques, including interviewing and observational methods, that are often used to collect data for qualitative analysis.
- has an in-depth understanding of the relationship between these different data collection methods and the typical research questions one could expect to answer by way of the various data types.
- has knowledge of relevant tools for digital transcription and for the preparation of data for qualitative analysis.
- has knowledge of the capabilities of these digital tools related to qualitative analysis and has the relevant knowledge when it comes to choosing the pertinent tools and developing further the particular skills relevant to her or his own research.
- has knowledge of scientific writing as a writing process, including processes involved in text production, feedback and mentorship.

Skills:
The candidate...
- is able to, on her or his own or together with other researchers, to plan and carry out qualitative research studies based upon her or his own research questions and / or contemporary theory.
- is, through a scientific writing process in solitude or comprising others, able to give written reports from her or his research projects with the intention of publishing the results in respected publications.

General qualifications:
The candidate...
- has a mature relationship to the qualitative research process and to the various procedures for data collection and analysis.
- has a thoughtful relationship to digital tools and the influence these tools can have on the qualitative research process.
- has, by way of discussing theories of science, reached a more thoughtful view on the type of knowledge found in qualitative research processes, and also on the limitations built into this type of knowledge.

Seminars - problem based teaching, laboratory exercises (5 days, 30 hours). Participants are to work in groups with problems connected to the various topics presented. The course is offered when at least 5 persons are registered.