Qualitative Methods for PhD: Advanced level
Ph.D. -course
- ECTS credits
- 5
- Teaching semesters Autumn, Spring
- Course code
- GHIG918A
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Resources
- Schedule
Course description
Course content
Qualitative researchers are frequently accused of conducting superficial data analysis that compromises the quality of their research. When returning from the field with masses of data, the research student may be overwhelmed by the task of having to analyse the data without the necessary skills and guidance to do so. This course introduces the terminology of analysis and the basic procedure for inductive qualitative analysis. Selected analyses will be chosen with student involvement. Selected analyses will be demonstrated and followed with hands-on workshop-style activities. Participants will also have the opportunity to analyse their own data and validate coding techniques in small groups and present analysis for feedback. The course also covers reflection on research design, issues of quality in qualitative research as well as the role of the researcher and fieldwork challenges. Finally there will be writing workshops on how to write the methodology and analysis sections of articles and the thesis.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this course the student should have the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge:
The participant will have in-depth knowledge and understanding of
- The characteristics of qualitative methodology, e.g. epistemology, ontology, axiology, etc. and different approaches to research design, e.g. ethnography, phenomenology
- The principles of rigorous qualitative analysis
- The debates around quality and ethics in qualitative research
- How to write the methods section in the thesis and in articles
Skills:
The participant will have the ability to
- Rigorously analyse qualitative data
- Critically evaluate (i) the ethics of research design and data collection, and (ii) quality in qualitative research
- Write the methods section of the thesis and of articles
General competence:
The participant will have the ability to
- Communicate and discuss different qualitative approaches and their respective advantages and uses
- Collaborate professionally in analysis groups
Study period
The course is not active for 2025.
Credits (ECTS)
5 ECTs
Course location
University of Bergen, Alrek
Language of instruction
English
Course registration and deadlines
The course is not open for registration in 2025. Please view our uptated course overview for 2025: PhD Courses and Seminars | Graduate School of Human Interaction and Growth | UiB
Recommended Previous Knowledge
The participant must have completed an introductory course in qualitative methods
Form of assessment
Writing assignment (3000 words): Describe your research methodology and include substantial sections on (i) your data analysis and (ii) quality
Grading scale: Pass/Fail
Examination support: No restrictions
Who may participate
Open, but limited to a maximum of 10 participants
Supplementary course information
This course seeks to promote and facilitate the rigorous, systematic and in-depth analysis of qualitative data; in addition, the course demonstrates and guides the process of writing the methodology section for both the thesis and for articles.
Academic responsible
Olin Blaalid Oldeide and Lill Susann Ynnesdal Haugen, Department of Health Promotion and Development
Reading list
Will be made available later.