PSYFL5405 – Qualitative Research Methodology
Course description
Course content
This course in Qualitative Research Methodology combines theoretical readings, reflections and exercises. Improving qualitative craftsmanship requires hands-on practice and thick descriptions. The first day we go over key concepts in qualitative methods, including the incorporation of theory in projects, discussions on research design and ethics. ?The participants introduce themselves and their projects, and experiences and challenges of doing qualitative research in their own project. The second and third day we go over data collection and the handling of data (coding and analysis). We here elaborate the meanings of the concepts and methods presented the first day thought practical examples related to the participants’ data collection. The course also sets aside time to get practical with data analysis. The final day we explore quality criteria in qualitative approaches, and how to demonstrate trustworthiness, as well as how to write up the results. Throughout the process we relate the discussions to the PhD candidates’ on-going or planned projects, with different exercises and group discussions.
Learning outcome
The PhD candidates will gain a deeper understanding of qualitative research approaches, including the art of interpretation and descriptions. They will be familiarized with hermeneutic processes and ethical challenges as well as different strategies for data collection and approaches for analysis. Through the work with the quality criteria, they will also develop the skills to evaluate methodological strengths and weaknesses with qualitative projects, and argue well for choices made in their own projects. Exercises and group discussions will enhance qualitative craftsmanship, as the course is set up to be relatively practical. The course should strengthen the students’ skills in critical reasoning and lines of argument related to qualitative methods.
Admission to the course
This course is only for students admitted at the student research program at PSI. Contact the administration if you have problem to sign up in Studentweb.
Overlapping courses
- 4 credits overlap with PSY9250 – Qualitative Research Methodology.
Teaching
Lectures, exercises and group discussions. Depending on the participants, the course will be taught in English or Norwegian.
This is an intensive course over four days, comprising a total of 24 hours (6 hours each day).
Examination
5 credit points?for course participation for the?full four days?(80% attendance is required)?and submitted paper?on research design, including discussion of quality criteria for qualitative research (9-10 pages excluding references, Times New Roman 12, line spacing 1,5) based on the students’ own doctoral project or a discussion of selected course literature.
Examination support material
All exam support materials are allowed during this exam. Generating all or part of the exam answer using AI tools such as Chat GPT or similar is not allowed
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about?the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.