MSB208 Qualitative Research Methods

Contents and structure

This course begins with an introduction to the nature and status of knowledge, in society generally, and in social research in particular. Through a combination of lectures and practice seminars, the course will enable students to carry out qualitative research and make informed methodological choices when writing their Master's thesis. The course will provide students with an advanced practical introduction to collecting and analyzing textual and interview data. Students will learn how to come up with a research idea, develop research question(s), conduct a literature review, choose an appropriate research design, collect and analyze qualitative data, and disseminate research results along with addressing ethical considerations in qualitative research. Students are expected to take part extensively in sessions reading academic articles, discussions, attending seminars and presentations.

Main objectives:

• To provide students with a good understanding of the academic and practical key qualitative research methods.
• To equip students with the practical tools and skills to conduct and present the qualitative research results.
• To provide knowledge of software packages used for qualitative data analysis, such as NVivo.

The course covers the following topics:

• Understanding the foundations of social research, theories and applications.
• Planning the research study- from research ideas to theoretical framework development
• Qualitative research study designs
• Qualitative data collection methods
• Sampling issues in qualitative research
• Ethics in social research
• Quality criteria in qualitative research
• Analysis and interpretation of qualitative data
• Mixed methods research designs

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

On completion of the course, the students should gain knowledge of

• the main principles of qualitative research design; relevant methods of qualitative data collection and interpretation of the analysis of the research results.
• qualitative research strategies.
• understanding and writing academic articles.

Skills

Upon completion of the course, the student can:

• analyze literature to conduct/create a literature review.
• justify appropriate research design for research projects.
• conduct qualitative data collection using the necessary skills in critical research.
• conduct analysis using qualitative research methods.
• interpret the qualitative research results.

General Competence

Upon completion of the course, the student can:

• read, criticize, research and create use knowledge published in scientific literature.
• participate in large-scale qualitative research projects.
• participate in consultancy work in the areas of marketing and consumer research.
• communicate relevant topics and research results to both academics and practitioners.
• analyze relevant research ethical problems.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

Passed introduction course in MSB101 Marketing Theory and Practice

Teaching methods

The teaching format consists of a combination of lectures and seminars. Problem-solving, discussions of articles and in-class exercises, group work will be an important part of the course. Students are expected to read the recommended articles, present and discuss during the seminars. Self-study, participation in class and seminars are important elements of the course.

Compulsory learning activities

The arbeidskrav consists of one written assignment, and one oral presentation, both made in groups of two persons. The arbeidskrav must be passed in order to appear in the final exam. Any request to submit the assignment individually must be approved by the course teacher. Both submission and presentation should be in english.

Assessment

Exam in two parts:

1. Individual school examination, 4 hours (50% of the final assessment).
2. One term paper, (50% of the final assessment). The term paper should be written in a group of two. The course instructor may make exceptions.

Students must write their term paper and examination in english.

Grading scale is A-F where F is fail.

Examination support material

Written exam:

Approved online English - Norwegian dictionary can be used.

Term paper: All study aids are allowed.

More about examination support material

Course reductions

• MSB201 - Vitenskapeleg forskningsmetode - Reduction: 10 studypoints