Qualitative Research Methods

*Kristiania University College*

Introduction

This course is for candidates planning to conduct qualitative research in a variety of different settings. The course provides a repertoire of qualitative research designs, data analysis methods and reporting strategies. The objective of this course is to provide advanced training in qualitative methods, and to guide the student right through the qualitative research cycle within their independent research projects at a high international standard. Candidates will learn about and practice key qualitative methods while gaining exposure to how diverse theoretical lenses make use of these methods. In addition, the course introduces a background related to the legal and ethical frameworks for conducting qualitative research, as well as practical methods-related challenges will be discussed in relation to their particular context or research approach.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course, the student has achieved the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

The candidate … 

Knowledge

  • can explain the nuanced difference between different types of qualitative research
  • can assess the analytical value of different data collection types and methods related to the student’s own research questions and theoretical framework
  • can identify and critical evaluate various qualitative methodologies and methods that are used within the applied information technology field when generating empirical material
  • is in the forefront of knowledge about the relationship between research questions, methodologies and paradigms the use of different qualitative methods and data collection approaches in the applied analysis of social-technical phenomena, in ways that mirror the status of the research front

Skills

The candidate …

  • can independently design a data collection strategy aligned with the student’s own research questions and theoretical framework
  • can identify the particular logistical requirements and challenges of the different types of methods
  • can evaluate the adequacy and suitability of the different qualitative research methods for their own research projects
  • can carry out multi-method research and contribute to the development of the established methodological position.
  • can analyse qualitative data with or without a theoretical framework 
  • can critically evaluate published qualitative research from a methodological perspective

General competence

The candidate …

  • can critically evaluate how qualitative data provides value and enrich research related to how to make contributions and how to build theory with qualitative research
  • can design and conduct a research project with ethical considerations 
  • can contribute to social science debates about the methodological choices in developing and conducting qualitative research
  • can satisfactorily address and critically reflect upon ethical issues posed using specific data collection tools and research methods

Degree

PhD in Applied Information Technology 

Learning activities

– Workshops with lectures & interactive learning; 

– Exercises and discussions to practice specific methods & reflect on their effects;

– Development of an individualised data collection methods strategy; 

– Self-study.

Teaching dates:

November 7 – 8 and 28 and 29, 2024

Student work load

Lectures and student guidance: 24 hours

Self-study: 55 hours

Preparation for presentation/discussion in class: 20 hours

Assessment 40 hours

Total: 139 hours

Application data: October 7