Qualitative Analysis

Level of Study

Bachelor

Teaching semester

Spring

Objectives and Content

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).

Learning Outcomes

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

Required Previous Knowledge

None

Recommended Previous Knowledge

GEO121/GEO125, GEO131, GEO151/GEO124 or equivalent

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

GEO307 - 5 ECTS

Access to the Course

The course is open for students at UiB

Teaching and learning 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

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

None

Forms of Assessment

• 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)

Grading Scale

Grading A-F

Assessment Semester

Assessment in teaching semester. New exam the following semester only for students who have a valid document of absence.

Course Evaluation

All courses are evaluated according to UiB's system for quality assurance of education.