MF9140 ¨C Qualitative research methods

Course content

The course presents key research methods and analytical approaches in qualitative research, with both theoretical and practical orientations. Based in social science and using examples from clinical settings, health systems, illness experiences, the course provides a broad introduction to various methodological questions and practices in health and medical research. The course is relevant for those who utilize qualitative?methods wholly or partially in their research, and you will actively work on your own PhD project throughout the week. Additionally, the course is useful for those who want to learn more about the epistemological foundations of research.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

This course will provide you with knowledge about:

• Philosophies of science foundational to qualitative methods
• Sampling and recruitment
• Interviewing and observation
• Thematic, narrative and phenomenological analyses
• Situational and document analysis
• Historicization
• Trustworthiness/validity

Skills:

This course will equip you with the skills to:

• Design a qualitative research project
• Develop interview guides and conduct interviews and observations
• Make informed choices regarding methodological and analytical approaches
• Conduct basic analyses
• Historicize your own PhD project

General competencies:

This course will provide you with general competencies to:

• Critically reflect on your own research and research process
• Engage critically with concepts that are part of research projects
• View illness and health from a broader cultural and societal perspective

Admission to the course

PhD candidates at University of Oslo will be prioritized, and within this group the highest priority is given to PhD candidates who are working on research that entails/will entail qualitative interviewing and/or participant observation.

Applicants admitted to a PhD programme at UiO apply to this course in StudentWeb.

Applicants who are not admitted to a PhD programme at UiO must apply for a right to study before they can apply to this course. See information here: ?How to apply for a right to study and admission to elective PhD courses in medicine and health sciences.

Applicants will receive a reply to the course application in?StudentWeb?at the latest one week after the application deadline.

The maximum number of course participants is 30.

Overlapping courses

• 5 credits overlap with MEDFL5140 ¨C Qualitative reseach methods.

Teaching

The course is organized as a five days course.?The teaching consists of a combination of lectures and group work.

You have to participate in at least 80 % of the teaching to be allowed to take the exam. Attendance will be registered.

Examination

Home exam.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

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
• How to use AI as a student
• 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.