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Course syllabus - Introduction to Qualitative Research Methodologies and Methods, 4 credits

Information about the course

  • Course code: FHVV028
  • Host Department: Department of Social Science and Humanities
  • Valid from: 2024-04-09
  • Established by: Dean of School (until 2025-12-31 after that Head of department)
  • Decision date: 2024-04-09
  • Level of education: Third cycle level

Course objective

The purpose of the course is for the doctoral student to develop in-depth knowledge of qualitative methodologies and methods relevant to their own third-cycle subject.

Course content

The course is based on the practices and traditions of qualitative research. Based on this, qualitative methodologies and methods regarding both data collection and analysis are treated. These are subject to in-depth reflection where the doctoral student is given the opportunity to build an argumentation for methodological and methodical choices related to their own thesis work. The course also addresses research ethics issues related to qualitative studies as well as issues of quality in qualitative studies. Furthermore, the role of qualitative research in society is addressed.

Intented learning outcomes

After completing the course, the doctoral student should be able to demonstrate:

  1. in-depth knowledge of qualitative methodologies and methods
  2. ability to reflect on methodological choices in relation to theory of science perspectives
  3. ability to justify the choice of different qualitative methods in relation to
    research questions
  4. ability to justify selection, data collection and analysis based on different
    qualitative methods
  5. in-depth insight into ethical challenges in qualitative research and the
    ability to make ethical judgements in research.
  6. ability to evaluate quality in qualitative research, also from a societal
    perspective.

The intended qualitative targets in relation to the Higher Education Ordinance, appendix 2.

Knowledge and understanding

For the Degree of Doctor, the doctoral student shall demonstrate:

  • A2: familiarity with research methodology in general and the methods of
    the specific field of research in particular.

Competence and skills

For the Degree of Doctor, the doctoral student shall demonstrate

  • B2: the ability to identify and formulate issues with scholarly precision
    critically, autonomously, and creatively, and to plan and use appropriate
    methods to undertake research and other qualified tasks within
    predetermined time frames and to review and evaluate such work,
  • B5: the ability to identify the need for further knowledge, and
  • B6: the capacity to contribute to social development and support the
    learning of others both through research and education and in some
    other qualified professional capacity.

Judgement and approach

For a Degree of Doctor the doctoral student shall demonstrate

  • C1: intellectual autonomy and disciplinary rectitude as well as the ability
    to make assessments of research ethics, and
  • C2: specialised insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its
    role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used.

Teaching formats

The course consists of lectures, seminars and workshops.

Examination

GRU1, Group assignment with oral presentation at follow-up seminar, 1 credit
(learning outcomes 2-5).

INL1, Written, individual assignment, 3 credits (learning outcomes 1-6).

Grade

Examinations included in the course are assessed according to a two-grade scale, fail or pass.

Grades are to be decided by a teacher specially appointed by the university.

A person who has not passed the regular examination shall be given the opportunity to retake the test.

Requirements

To participate in the course and the examinations included in the course, the applicant must be admitted to doctoral studies. Subject to availability, teachers at Mälardalen University that hold a doctorate can be offered to take part of the course.

Selection criteria

Selection of applicants will be made in accordance with the ranking below.

  1. Doctoral students at Mälardalen University
  2. Doctoral students at other higher education institutions
  3. Teachers at Mälardalen University that holds a PhD.