IHMJ3201 Qualitative research 1 (3 cr)

This classroom-based course is the first of two core qualitative research courses offered by IHME. This course focuses on developing a general understanding of research design, as well as specific approaches to inquiry and interview data collection strategies. Following the APA Qualitative Research Reporting Standards (Levitt et al., 2018), we use the term approach to inquiry to refer to the paradigmatic philosophical assumptions that underpin researchers' understanding of research traditions. We use the term data collection strategies to refer to the ways in which qualitative researchers collect data. The main aim of this course is to facilitate learning about how research design provides a fundamental basis for methods and data collection in qualitative studies.

Pre-assignment: Please submit a one-page (A4, excluding references) summary outlining the goals expected to be achieved by taking this course.

The pre-course assignment should be sent by email to Dr Ryba (tatiana.ryba@jyu.fi). Please remember to include your name on the completed assignment and write the course code IHMJ3111 as the subject of your email. Placement in the course is based on the completion of a pre-course assignment. Enrolled students are required to submit the pre-assignment by a specific deadline. 

1. Understand the fundamental principles and underlying philosophical assumptions of qualitative research paradigms.
2. Understand the concept of research design and its significance in qualitative studies.

3. Identify and critically evaluate different qualitative research designs and their appropriateness for specific research questions.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of various qualitative data collection methods, such as interviews, observations, and document analysis, and understand how they align with different research designs.

5. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical considerations associated with research design and data collection in qualitative studies.
6. Develop skills in effectively communicating the rationale and justification for the chosen research design and methods in qualitative research proposals or reports.

7. Develop skills in active listening and applying reflexivity to the interview process. 

We will create a collaborative learning community through interactive contact teaching, individual and small group work, and peer interaction and reflection. Everyone is welcome to be challenged and validated, whether they are doing mainstream research or experimenting with innovative methods. All group members are expected to actively participate and take responsibility for their own learning, as well as contributing to the learning of their peers. 

Learning material: will be shared on Nextcloud
Literature: Please read this paper prior to the course: Levitt et al. 2018. Journal Article Reporting Standards for Qualitative Primary, Qualitative Meta-Analytic, and Mixed Methods Research in Psychology: The APA Publications and Communications Board Task Force Report. Available at https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/amp-amp0000151.pdf