Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student
• understands the paradigm and the methodology behind qualitative research methods
• is able to produce a research plan for a qualitative study
• is able to evaluate the reliability and validity of qualitative research
• has basic skills in academic writing
• knows how to use qualitative methods for data collection and analysis
• knows how to write an abstract for a study.

Implementation and methods of teaching

Students design and carry out a qualitative research assignment. This course is for the most part distant learning course. Language used is Finnish. An exam will be held at the beginning of the course based on given materials. Exam is a multiple choice question test. If not passed, a written essay based on given materials ( 1500 words) will cover the exam grade. Info and exam take place at the beginning of the course. Final grade will be combination of the exam grade and the assignment grade.

Timing and attendance

1.9. - 31.12.2019
Virtual attendance only.

Learning material and recommended literature

Saaranen-Kauppinen, A. & Puusniekka, A. 2009. Menetelmäopetuksen tietovaranto KvaliMOTV: kvalitatiivisten menetelmien verkko-oppikirja. Yhteiskuntatieteellisen tietoarkiston julkaisuja. http://www.fsd.uta.fi/fi/julkaisut/motv_pdf/KvaliMOTV.pdf

Alternative completion methods

No other ways of completion.

Exam retakes

Exam dates will be announced at Reppu.

Contents

During the course the student performs a small qualitative research on a matter of own interest. This will be done in pair or small groups (max 4 people). The assignments in Reppu will guide the research forward step by step.
The students will write a summary about the research. The summary is written as a scientific report, thus the students shows he or she also has the knowledge about academic writing (incl. style and the use of sources).

Assessment criteria

Exam / summary 30%, research report 70 %. Both parts must be passed.

Assessment scale

1-5

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student is able to use qualitative research methods and concept on poor level.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student is able to use qualitative research methods and concept on adequote level.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student is able to use qualitative research methods and concept on excellent level.