AOS340 Qualitative Methods

Credits (ECTS):5

Course responsible:Bernt Aarset

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:125 work hours.

Teaching and exam period:This course starts in Autumn parallel. This course has teaching/evaluation in Autumn parallel, .

About this course

The course assumes that the student has decided on the topic of the master's thesis. The course has a user perspective for students who are going to start the master's thesis, and this topic will be central to the teaching. The course provides the students with an introduction to qualitative methods. The course emphasizes desig of appropriate qualitative methods, such as choice of methodology, analysis of data, and the possibility of generalization based on qualitative data. The main technique to collect data will be depth interviews, but participating observation, document analysis, conversation analysis, and others will be presented. The course will provide increased understanding of research and knowledge development. Design and choice of method will be based on research question, theoretical perspectives, analysis, and the direction of the project.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Knowledge of the characteristics of qualitative research design
Knowledge of the use of qualitative method for collecting, analyzing and presentation of empirical material

Skills

Establish research problems that can be answered using qualitative method
Develop a qualitative research design
Substantiate choice of research methods in light of research problem, theoretical perspective, analysis and project direction
Plan and conduct interviews adapted to a qualitative research design
Analyzing data by qualitative analysis

General competence

Be able to assess relevant choice of methods
Analyzing research problems where qualitative methods are applicable, and select and use appropriate theoretical and practical knowledge in the analysis
Understand the relationships between research and knowledge

Learning activities
The teaching will be carried out as a combination of recorded lectures on video and work with a group project.
Guidance will be given in connection with the term paper and the group project.
It will be possible to complete the course for exchange students.
Teaching support
Supervision as needed.
Prerequisites
AOS240 Research in Social Sciences or equivalent.
Assessment method
The end-of-semester assignment will count 100% of the grade.
Mandatory assignments must be approved before the semester assignment is evaluated.
No opportunity for re-sit examination.

Term paper Grading: Letter grades
Examiner scheme
External sensor reviews the group assignment and the semester assignment.
Mandatory activity
One mandatory group assignment.
The assignment is evaluated approved/ not approved.
Approved submission is a requirement to participate in the exam.
There is no need to repeat compulsory in the event of renewed trial.
Teaching hours
One 2-hour seminar/lecture each week.
Admission requirements
The course is intended for master students at NMBU and the course is addressed to those who will write their master thesis during the subsequent semester.