course-details-portlet

SMED8015 - Qualitative Research Methods

About

Examination arrangement

Examination arrangement: Approved report
Grade: Passed / Not Passed

Evaluation Weighting Duration Grade deviation Examination aids
Approved report 100/100 B

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

Further on evaluation

The assessment is based on a course report which is discussed with both the other students and the examiners at an exam seminar that it is compulsory to attend. To get a grade (pass/not pass), all compulsory activities must be approved.

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

Course code Reduction From To
HLS3004 2.5 AUTUMN 2010
KLH3015 5.0 AUTUMN 2015
MH3004 5.0 AUTUMN 2019
PH3001 5.0 AUTUMN 2019
MH3008 5.0 AUTUMN 2022
More on the course

No

Facts

Version: 1
Credits:  7.5 SP
Study level: Doctoral degree level

Coursework

Term no.: 1
Teaching semester:  SPRING 2025

Language of instruction: -

Location: Trondheim

Subject area(s)
  • Health Science
  • Medicine
Contact information
Course coordinator: Lecturer(s):

Department with academic responsibility
Department of Public Health and Nursing

Examination

Examination arrangement: Approved report

Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
Spring ORD Approved report 100/100 B INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
  • * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
Examination

For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"

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