Infra Informatics - Module Qualitative Research Methods, 2.0 credits

Entry requirements

Admitted as a doctoral student.

Specific information

The course aims to

• provide an overview of qualitative research methods and concepts, with a special focus on the methods applied within KTS,
• discuss methodology, tools, and practices for conducting qualitative studies,
• present practical examples of research projects with qualitative approaches within Infra Informatics.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

• describe and categorize various qualitative research methods,
• describe and discuss the suitability, possibilities, and limitations of different qualitative research approaches in relation to certain problem settings,
• identify, select, and plan the necessary steps for conducting a successful research project with a qualitative approach,
• describe and propose research with a qualitative approach within Infra Informatics.

Contents

The following topics will be covered (in varying depth):

• Overarching paradigms and different approaches,
• Case study research,
• Action research and participatory action research,
• Organizational development and user involvement,
• Tools and data collection related to the above.

Educational methods

The course is given during HT2 each year. The schedule consists of:

• A half-day startup meeting, where the common framework for the entire course is presented and the first lecture on the overarching research paradigm and case study research is held.
• Two half-day seminars, with lectures on the course topics and presentations by senior researchers at KTS about projects where qualitative methods have been applied.
• A half-day final meeting, with student presentations and discussions.

Examination

Responsible for the Qualitative Methods course is Sofie Pilemalm.

The examination for the Qualitative Methods course consists of:

• Mandatory participation in the four seminar sessions,
• Conducting, documenting, and presenting an individual assignment, as well as acting as a discussant on someone else's assignment.

Grading

General information

The course is mandatory for all doctoral students in Infra Informatics. It is also open to doctoral students in other fields.

To register for the course, contact the course coordinator and Mats Janné.