RSNE4012 – Qualitative research methods and design

The course provides an understanding of qualitative epistemologies, theories, and methodologies within which they may be utilized.

The course uses an experiential approach to qualitative methodology combined with a critical and theoretical understanding of literature sources.

This course is jointly taught with RSNE3012.

Knowledge

After completing the course, you will have gained:

• knowledge about core qualitative methods, in ethical, sustainable, and rigorous way
• an understanding of qualitative epistemologies, theories, and methodologies within which they may be utilized
• the experiential approach to qualitative methodology combined with a critical and theoretical understanding of literature sources

Skills

After completing the course, you will be able to:

• use combinations of qualitative methods, such as observation, interviewing, document analysis, multimodal and art-based techniques
• use critical and independent thinking in approaching research questions
• plan, conceptualize and evaluate a qualitative and/or mixed-methods research project

General competence

After completing the course, you should have gained the ability to:

• describe the key characteristics of qualitative research, its main applications and contributions, to the field of special needs education
• describe and discuss key characteristics of qualitative data collection and analysis methods, and reflect over their main advantages and challenges
• describe and recognize quality and ethics in qualitative research, including the qualitative definition of trustworthiness, sustainability, and validity
• make informed decisions about which types of research questions are best answered using qualitative methods
• discuss how qualitative data can contribute to the understanding of the global sustainable development goals

SPED1200 Spesialpedagogiske forskningsmetoder og forskningsbasert praksis or equivalent.

Basic knowledge of qualitative research is recommended, including qualitative research design and epistemology, basic knowledge of qualitative methods (e.g., observation, interview, focus group).

The teaching consists of hybrid teaching, flipped classroom and seminars. Parts of the teaching are compulsory.

Compulsory components:

• Attendance at seminars

The compulsory components must be completed and approved in order to sit the exam and are valid for three years.

Refer to the guidelines for attendance in compulsory teaching sessions.

1. Oral group exam: poster presentation and discussion based on given research question.

2. Individual report after group presentation (one page reflection about the poster presentation).