Qualitative Research in (Higher) Education (DUH240)

Content

This course introduces PhD students to the methodologies of qualitative research, with a particular focus on its application in (higher) education. It emphasizes key theories, methods, and best practices to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for the effective planning, execution, and reporting of qualitative studies.

A central element of the course involves critically engaging with selected resources to prepare for in-depth theoretical discussions on topics such as research design, data collection methods, and approaches to data analysis. Students will explore a range of qualitative research designs, identifying diverse strategies for conducting rigorous qualitative inquiries.

This course covers key themes in qualitative research:

• Qualitative research design: Structuring studies and aligning research questions with appropriate methodologies.
• Approaches to inquiry: Exploring qualitative paradigms such as ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, and case studies.
• Data collection methods: Techniques including interviews, focus groups, observations, and document analysis.
• Positioning: The researcher’s role and the impact of positionality on the research process and data interpretation.
• Data analysis: Methods for interpreting qualitative data.
• Ethical considerations: Addressing issues like informed consent, confidentiality, and working with vulnerable populations.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

By the end of the course, students will have the capacity to:

• Comprehend the major approaches to qualitative research in the field of education.
• Analyze fundamental theories that underlie various research paradigms.
• Explain the principles that underpin the utilization of qualitative research methods.
• Justify qualitative research processes in terms of their robustness and rigor.

Skills

Upon completing the course, students will be proficient in:

• Identifying and developing research topics suitable for in-depth exploration of educational phenomena.
• Formulating research questions using qualitative research methods.
• Conducting procedures related to research design, participant selection, and contextual considerations.
• Collecting and analyzing data using a variety of methods.
• Synthesizing and integrating data from multiple sources effectively.
• Drafting individual or collaborative qualitative research reports.
• Strategizing, conducting, and evaluating qualitative research for professional development.

Competence

At the end of the course, students will have the competence to:

1. Develop a thorough understanding of key terms and contemporary issues in qualitative research within the context of (higher) education, such as reflexivity, voice, authority, representation, credibility, trustworthiness, and ethics.
2. Cultivate a critical perspective through which to address educational challenges and concerns.
3. Derive data-driven interpretations to inform and improve educational practices.
4. Gain insights into the complexities and challenges associated with conducting qualitative research in educational settings.

Required prerequisite knowledge

Exam

Coursework requirements

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Course teacher:

Course teacher:

Method of work

Open for

This course is for PhD candidates in the Faculty of Arts and Education and the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Stavanger. PhD candidates in programs at cooperating research institutions may also participate in the course.

Course assessment

Literature