On completion of the course, the student has achieved the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

The candidate …

Knowledge

can explain the nuanced difference between different types of qualitative research
can assess the analytical value of different data collection types and methods related to the student’s own research questions and theoretical framework
can identify and critical evaluate various qualitative methodologies and methods that are used within the applied information technology field when generating empirical material
is in the forefront of knowledge about the relationship between research questions, methodologies and paradigms the use of different qualitative methods and data collection approaches in the applied analysis of social-technical phenomena, in ways that mirror the status of the research front

Skills

The candidate …

can independently design a data collection strategy aligned with the student’s own research questions and theoretical framework
can identify the particular logistical requirements and challenges of the different types of methods
can evaluate the adequacy and suitability of the different qualitative research methods for their own research projects
can carry out multi-method research and contribute to the development of the established methodological position.
can analyse qualitative data with or without a theoretical framework
can critically evaluate published qualitative research from a methodological perspective

General competence

The candidate …

can critically evaluate how qualitative data provides value and enrich research related to how to make contributions and how to build theory with qualitative research
can design and conduct a research project with ethical considerations
can contribute to social science debates about the methodological choices in developing and conducting qualitative research
can satisfactorily address and critically reflect upon ethical issues posed using specific data collection tools and research methods

Subject description PIT9209

Qualitative Research Methods