UV9501 – Mixed methods

Course content

Can we really mix methods in social science research and evaluation? If so, what does it look like? How can it be done? If not. Why? In this PhD course we will explore these and other questions. The aim is for all of us to better understand mixed methods research in social science research and evaluation. We will explore if mixed methods are really a third paradigm of research or if these methods are simply a presentation (or use) of the two dominant (qualitative and qualitative) research paradigms in one space.

More specifically, within this course we hope to provide an overview of mixed methods research, consisting of the history and philosophy of mixed methods, emerging literature within the field, purposes and characteristics of mixed methods research, types of research problems typically addressed, the specification of mixed methods purpose statements and research questions and types of major mixed methods designs. A large emphasis of this course we will focus on the "why" in addition to the "how", and we will discuss mixed methods designs and how they are used in social science research.

At the completion of the course, the participants should be able to thoughtfully discuss why or why not mixed methods should be considered its own research paradigm. And if it should, how can it help inform your PhD project?

The PhD course combines lectures, presentations and plenary discussions. It is a basic building block towards finalizing a mixed methods article and/or PhD thesis.

Work format: Lectures and presentations.

Admission to the course

This course has been developed for PhD candidates affiliated with the Faculty of Educational Sciences (UV), but others may also apply. PhD candidates at The Faculty of Educational Sciences will be given priority. As a minimum requirement, all participants must hold at least a Master`s degree.

PhD candidates affiliated with the Faculty of Educational Sciences register through Studentweb.

Other applicants may apply using the application form for spring 2024 (opens December 1st)

Deadline for registering: February 4th, 2024.

Formal prerequisite knowledge

The participants should bring to the PhD course a working knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. More specifically, the participants must have completed at least one course in quantitative and one course in qualitative methods at the graduate level. Little attention will be given to building these skills. If you are concerned with your knowledge of either quantitative or qualitative methods please contact the course responsible for the current semester.

Overlapping courses

• 1 credits overlap with UV9501U.

Examination

Approved participation three days, with course activities and approved final paper: 3 credits.

80% attendance is required.

Paper:

To obtain 3 study points participants need to submit a paper, which addresses methodological challenges.

Papers are to be submitted electronically in Canvas. More information will be available in Canvas.

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
• 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.