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.