Course syllabus - Qualitative Research Methodologies with a focus on Interview Methods, 3.5 credits
Information about the course
- Course code: FHVV027
- Host School: School of Health, Care and Social Welfare
- Valid from: 2025-01-13
- Established by: Dean of School
- 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 interview and conversation-based methods in qualitative research with relevance to their own third-cycle subject.
Course content
The course addresses different dialogue-based methodologies such as interviews and focus groups. Based on different epistemological foundations, the preparation and implementation of the dialogue methodology is discussed. The course also includes different methods for analysing material collected through conversation-based methods, such as narrative analysis, thematic analysis, discourse analysis, conversation analysis and content analysis. Ethical aspects and quality assessment are also covered.
Intented learning outcomes
After completing the course, the doctoral student should be able to demonstrate:
- knowledge of the importance of different epistemological starting points for conducting dialogue-based studies.
- the ability to plan an interview study with regard to preparation, selection, access, documentation, analysis and interpretation of the collected material.
- in-depth insight into quality and ethical aspects in connection with the implementation of a dialogue-based study.
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
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 outcome 1).
INL1, Written, individual assignment, 2.5 credits (learning outcomes 2-3).
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.
- Doctoral students at Mälardalen University
- Doctoral students at other higher education institutions
- Teachers at Mälardalen University that holds a PhD.