The main objective is to nurture a basic understanding of the data production process in qualitative research. The knowledge acquired in this course is relevant for a Master´s degree in geography or for data production in concrete fields or settings. The literature and learning experiences from this course are relevant for fieldwork in own and other cultures.

The aim of this course is to learn good research practice in geography with a focus on theory that supports qualitative research. Central themes are research design, subjectivity and objectivity, critical reflexivity, research ethics, in addition to qualitative methods and techniques used in field research. Through this course you will learn how to develop a qualitative research design, hypotheses and research questions, and the application of field techniques with focus on interview methods, textual and document analysis, participation and observations (field methods).

A student who has completed the course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has

• knowledge about qualitative method and research design
• knowledge about different qualitative research methods, and strengths and weaknesses of the different methods

Skills

The student can

• discuss the content of a qualitative research project, through acquiring knowledge of qualitative methods and techniques.
• independently assess methodological approach through preparation of an independent research project.
• apply qualitative methods, such as interview, questionnaires, focus group and observation.
• understand and experience the continuous process of a research project - through planning, collecting qualitative data, analysis and completion of text.

General knowledge

The student can

• use and assess qualitative methods

1-2 lectures per week + seminar.

Total 5-6 lectures and 1 seminar.

The course is taught in January and February. Exam in February/March

None

• Paper based on practical assignment, 40%
• Written exam, 4 hours, 60%

All parts of assessment must be passed in the same semester. Grades for each part of assessment and the final grade will be published in Studentweb.

Updated: Change of assessment form spring 2021 from written exam to eight-hour take home exam as part of the measures to limit the risk of corona infection. (Paper based on practical assignment as normal)

Department of Geography

Studieveileder@geog.uib.no or advice.svfa@uib.no