PSY9250 – Qualitative Research Methodology
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
This course in Qualitative Research Methodology combines theoretical readings, reflections and exercises. Improving qualitative craftsmanship requires hands-on practice and thick descriptions.
The first day we go over key concepts in qualitative methods, including the incorporation of theory in projects, discussions on research design and ethics. The participants introduce themselves and their projects on the first day, and throughout the course the participants are encouraged to share their experiences and challenges of doing qualitative research.
The second and third day we go over data collection and the handling of data (coding and analysis). We elaborate the meanings of the concepts and methods presented the first day through practical examples related to the participants’ data collection. The course also sets aside time to get practical with data analysis.
The final day we explore quality criteria in qualitative approaches, and how to demonstrate trustworthiness, as well as how to write up the results.
Throughout the course we relate the discussions to the PhD candidates’ on-going or planned projects, with different exercises and group discussions.
Learning outcome
The PhD candidates will gain a deeper understanding of qualitative research approaches, including the art of interpretation and descriptions. They will be familiarized with hermeneutic processes and ethical challenges as well as different strategies for data collection and approaches for analysis.
Through the work with the quality criteria, they will also develop the skills to evaluate methodological strengths and weaknesses with qualitative projects, and learn how to argue well for choices made in their own projects.
Exercises and group discussions will enhance qualitative craftsmanship, as the course is set up to be relatively practical. The course should strengthen the students’ skills in critical reasoning and lines of argument related to qualitative methods.
Admission to the course
PhD candidates at the Department of Psychology need to sign up for the course in Studentweb. Please contact the administration if you have problems to sign up in Studentweb.?
PhD candidates at the Department of Psychology will be given priority, but it is also possible for others to apply for the course. Applicants must have at least a Master`s degree. Other candidates can apply to the course through this online form.
The registration deadline is written in the online form and you will receive an email shortly after the deadline if you got admitted to the course.
You need to register for PSY9250B if you only want to participate in the course and receive 1 credit point. If you want to receive 5 credit points, you need to register for both PSY9250 and PSY9250B.?
Overlapping courses
- 4 credits overlap with PSYFL5405 – Qualitative Research Methodology (discontinued).
Teaching
Lectures, exercises and group discussions. Depending on the participants, the course will be taught in English or Norwegian.
This is an intensive course over four days, comprising a total of 24 hours (6 hours each day).
Examination
For registration in Studentweb:
PSY9250B = 1 credit point for course participation for the full four days (80% attendance is required).
PSY9250 = 4 credit points for an approved exam paper.
PSY9250B + PSY9250 = 5 credit points for course participation for the full four days (80% attendance is required) and submitted paper on research design, including discussion of quality criteria for qualitative research (9-10 pages excluding references, Times New Roman 12, line spacing 1,5) based on the students’ own doctoral project or a discussion of selected course literature.
Examination support material
All aids are allowed. When using AI, you must be critical in your application, so that the product is fully yours. We recommend that AI is used to edit and process text, but not to generate text. You must account for and be open about the use of AI, read more about guidelines for AI and exams here on the website.?
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about?the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.