EDS415 Research methodology in PhD projects: Research design and methodological choices with a focus on qualitative research

This course provides course participants with a basic understanding of some of the key elements of the methodological part of research design in a PhD project. The course focuses on the relationship between theory of science positions, academic knowledge production and the use of method strategies and tools. We look at main methodological challenges in social and interdisciplinary research on complex empirical realities. Participants are introduced to basic characteristics of qualitative research, and to the kinds of knowledge production that qualitative methods can provide. The course includes a focus on multiple and mixed methods approaches and designs. A main objective is to challenge the participants to reflect on the possibilities and limitations involved in different methodological choices, to provide a basis for an informed discussion of the methodological challenges implied in combining research methods, and to use this insight to inform the work with the research design of their individual PhD projects.