Qualitative Scientific Methodology

Instruction is in the form of distance learning through a web-based platform and in the form of two brief periods on campus at the beginning and towards the end of the course. The campus meetings consist of lectures, group assignments, and seminars. The course deals with the steps of the qualitative research process with a focus on data collection, research ethics, analysis of data and research documentation. The qualitative methods treated are qualitative content analysis, Grounded Theory, descriptive and interpretative phenomenology, narrative method and discourse analysis. Also treated are the concepts of quality, validity, transferability and credibility in qualitative research. The course contains the following elements: - The different stages of the research process, with a focus on qualitative approach, data gathering, analysis of data, and research documentation. - The significance of gender studies for the development of qualitative method. - Grounded Theory. - Descriptive and interpretative phenomenology. - Phenomenography. - Narrative method and discourse analysis. - Quality and validity in qualitative research.