Course content

The course focuses on giving a general introduction to the principles of qualitative research and a thorough practical experience with data collection and analysis with relevance for medicine and health science. Qualitative research methods are well suited in order to study personal experiences, understanding, reflections and reasoning. The course has a focus on the use of qualitative methods in a medical (natural science) research tradition where an empirical orientation is emphasised. It is therefore a strong focus on the practical aspects of conducting a qualitative study, with practical tasks in conducting interviews, doing analysis and writing method and result presentation. The lectures focus on practical tips and presentations of the steps in conducting a qualitative study. There are also lectures on what qualitative methods are, theoretical background, and different approaches used in qualitative studies.

Learning outcome

SMED8015 trains the student in planning and conducting qualitative research studies. After passing SMED8015, the student has acquired the following skills:

Knowledge

Discuss the adequacy and suitability of different approaches to doing qualitative studies.

Skills

Conduct and lead qualitative data collection and analysis

General proficiency

Understand the role of qualitative research in medicine and health science.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and assignments, with most of the work done in groups. The course report, which is used for the assessment of the course, is done in groups. A one-day compulsory exam seminar is held approximately 8 weeks after the first week of lectures. In the time between, the students work in groups. All lectures and problem solving activities are mandatory. The course coordinator may approve up to 20% absence from mandatory lectures/activities. Absence may not be approved if the activity is considered to be critical to the learning outcomes of the course.

Compulsory assignments

• Two written assignments and transcribed interwiew
• Comment on exam seminar

Recommended previous knowledge

No previous knowledge of qualitative methods is needed. No other specific requirements, but it is recommended to read a book about qualitative methods before the lectures start as all lectures are held the first week.

Required previous knowledge

Completed Master's degree. Persons admitted to a PhD program at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences have priority.

Course materials

Kirsti Malterud (2017). Kvalitative metoder i medisinsk forskning (4.utgave). Oslo: Universitetsforlaget. 256 sider. ISBN: 9788215028286.

Kirsti Malterud (2012). Fokusgrupper som forskningsmetode for medisin og helsefag. Oslo: Universitetsforlaget. 168 sider. ISBN: 9788215020464.

The set books has to be read before the start of the course due to the course being held during one week. In addition to the set books, there will be some articles provided at the start of the course.

Credit reductions