PSY4520 – Qualitative Methods and Project Development
Course content
This course will be reduced to a 5 ECTS course from spring 2013 and it has a new code: PSY4521
This course offers students an in-depth and hands-on approach to qualitative research methods, with a view to preparing students for undertaking qualitative or mixed-methods research. The course will focus on both the epistemological and the practical aspects of working with qualitative data, and it will include work on a range of methodological approaches. The course will closely follow what the students are doing in other areas of their Masters study, specifically paying attention to their participant observation work. The course aims to support the development of the thesis proposal, informing students' thinking about the research proposal, whether they intend to use qualitative methods, mixed methods, or quantitative methods.
Learning outcome
By the end of the course, the students will be able to:
- work with qualitative data
- formulate research questions that may be addressed using qualitative or mixed methods
- make good decisions about when to use qualitative methods, mixed methods, or quantitative methods
- articulate reasons for choosing a particular qualitative methodological approach
Students will be encouraged to use the course to develop a detailed Masters research proposal, which gives thorough consideration to ethical, epistemological and practical issues.
Admission
The course is obligatory for all students in the Kultur-, samfunns-, og sosialpsykologi discipline on the Masters.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
This course builds on the methods course in the first semester of the master?s program.
Teaching
It is obligatory for students to participate in discussions of both their own and their fellow students' master projects in seminars. At least 75% of the lectures and 75% of the seminars must be attended. More information on other obligatory tasks will follow in January. If one is absent for more than 15% of the seminars and/or lectures, one must submit proof of legitimate absence (illness, etc.) to the department.
Access to teaching
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
Home exam: The evaluation of the course will be by students developing a detailed research proposal for their master thesis paying particular attention to research methods and ethics.
Submitting the paper: in the reception at the department together with declaration + one copy in fronter.
Examination support material
No examination support material is allowed.
Language of examination
The exam can be written in Norwegian or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
There is no make up exam for this course. Students who have been sick on the exam must register for the exam next time the course is scheduled.
If one doesn`t sit for the exam one must submit proof of legitimate absence (illness, etc.), see § 5.5 in Regulations for studies and examinations at the University.
Students who have special conditions - for example, that one is chronically ill, prevented from further progression or lose the right to study at the university, may apply to have a postponed exam the same term. It is not automatically granted.
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.