Qualitative data analysis, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course focuses on the basic principles and steps of Grounded Theory method. Grounded Theory method is an interpretation technique aimed at generating concepts and theories through qualitative data collection and analysis. Participants will perform the basic steps of Grounded Theory method to analyze qualitative data (their own or of a teacher-provided). Moreover, participants will examine and discuss critically various examples of scientific studies that employ Grounded Theory method. The course situates Grounded Theory method in relation to qualitative methodology more broadly.
 

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

After this course the student is expected to be able to:

• Explain and clarify the basic principles and steps of Grounded Theory method.
• Clarify and appraise the criteria to assess trustworthiness of qualitative analyses using Grounded Theory method.  

Skills and Abilities

After this course the student is expected to be able to:

• Perform the basic steps of Grounded Theory method in a qualitative data analysis.
• Present and discuss, in oral and/or written form, the findings of one’s own and other researchers’ application of Grounded Theory method in qualitative analyses.

Judgement and approach

After this course the student is expected to be able to:

• Critically review, discuss and evaluate the application of Grounded Theory method in scientific research.

Required Knowledge

- For non-programme students applying as single-course students, the requirements are 120 ECTS, of which a minimum of 30 ECTS are within one of the following: health sciences, environmental health or social sciences.

- Eng B/6 from Swedish gymnasium or equivalent.

Form of instruction

The course is concentrated to four weeks during the course period. Teaching is performed through plenary lectures, group work, hands-on training, seminars, and home assignments. Teaching is given in English.

Examination modes

The examination has two parts; 1) Participation in literature seminars and/or home assignment seminars, and 2) a written exam. Only grades of Fail or Pass will be awarded for seminar participation. The written exam will be awarded the following grades: Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction. Overall grades for the course are: Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction. In order to be awarded Pass for the entire course, it is required that all of the examination part must be Passed. To be awarded Pass with distinction, it is required that the written exam is awarded Pass with distinction. 

If a student receives a Fail grade on the written exam, they will be required to revise their original exam according to comments provided by the examiner within the time-line determined by the examiner. Students have the right to five rounds of revisions. They will be eligible for a grade of Pass but not Pass with distinction. Only students who have not received a passing grade are eligible to make revisions in order to pass the exam. Revisions are not allowed for those who have already received a passing grade.  

If there are special reasons, the examiner has the right to decide whether another form of examination can be used. A student who has failed two tests for a course or a part of a class, are entitled to have another examiner appointed, unless there are specific reasons against it. Written request must be submitted to the director of studies.
 

Other regulations

Students have the right to examine whether previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired can be credited for the corresponding course at Umeå University. Application is submitted to Studentcentrum/Examina. Details on crediting can be found at Umeå University's student web, www.student.umu.se, and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6) . A refusal of accreditation may be appealed against (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 12 ) to the University Appeals Board. This applies to the whole or part of the application for accreditation is refused.