Qualitative Research (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Objective

Purpose of the course
The aim of the course is to understand the meaning of qualitative research and to be able to use qualitative research and its methods in development and research practices at workplaces.

Competences
Ethical competence
Learning and information management competence
Entrepreneurship, innovation and working community competence

Learning outcomes
After completing the study level, you will have an overall picture of the theoretical foundations and methods of qualitative research.

You understand the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research.

You recognize the suitability of different qualitative materials and methods for solving different types of research tasks.

You understand the importance of research ethics in qualitative research.

You have the skills to conduct and evaluate qualitative research and its suitability for research and development work in your field.

Content

This course will immerse you in the fascinating world of qualitative research.
You will understand what qualitative research really means and learn how to choose and limit your research topic and formulate your research task. You will learn about the stages of research and learn how to proceed systematically.
You will practice different ways of collecting data in qualitative research and learn to analyze the data you have collected effectively.
You will explore how to ensure the reliability of your research and become familiar with the ethical aspects of research and learn to take them into account in your work, as well as become familiar with the different types of literature reviews and their use in research.

This course offers you a comprehensive understanding of qualitative research and practical skills that you can apply in your own research.

Location and time

Implementation time 1.4-7.6.2026 (Moodle open)

I Webinar 9.4.2026 time 16-19
II Webinar 16.4.2026 time 16-19
III Webinar 7.5.2026 time 16-19
A seminar day where the final assignment is presented online 28.5.2026 time 16-20.30

Materials

Holloway, I. & Galvin K. 2017. Qualitative Research in Nursing and Healthcare.
John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated. 4th ed. ebook

Kyngäs, H., Mikkonen, K. & Kääriäinen, M. 2020 The Application of Content Analysis in Nursing Science Research. Springer Nature, Switzerland. eBook

OR

Bryman, A. 2012. Social research methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press cop.

OR

Klenke, K. 2008. Qualitative Research in the Study of Leadership. Great Britain: Emerald.

Addiotional material:

Creswell, J. & Poth, C.N. 2018. Qualitative inquiry & research design: choosing among five approaches. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Denzin, N. K. & Licoln, Y. S. 2011. Handbook of qualitative research. 2011. Lincoln. 4. edition. London: Sage.
Burns, N. & Grove, S. K. 2001. The practice of nursing research. Conduct, Critique, and Utilization. 5th edition or the latest. Philadelphia: Elnsevier/Saunders cop.
Elo, S. & Kyngäs, H. 2008. The qualitative content analysis process. Advanced Nursing 62(1), 107–115.
Resnik D. B. 2011. What is Ethics in Research & Why is It Important? National institute of health science. Available at: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/bioethics/whatis.cfm
Silverman, D. 2014. Interpreting qualitative data. Methods for analysing talk, text and interaction. 5.painos. London:Sage.
Gerrish, K. & Lathlean, J. 2015. The Research process in Nursing. Wileys & Blackwell. Section 4 and chapter 34. Ebook
Tuomi, J, & Sarajärvi, A. 2018. Laadullinen tutkimus ja sisällönanalyysi. Uudistettu laitos. Helsinki: Tammi.

Teaching methods

Blended-learning, which utilizes online learning, and also there is independent learning and peer support.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Sufficient 1
The student knows the theoretical basis of qualitative research as well as the strengths and weaknesses. He or she identifies different types of qualitative data and methods that are applicable to different types of research tasks solving. The student understands how to evaluate qualitative research. The student knows how qualitative research has been applied in research and development.

Satisfactory 2
The student applies the theoretical basis of qualitative research. The student is able to identify and select the various kinds of qualitative data and methods, which are applicable to different types of research tasks solving. The student can to apply qualitative research in his/her own field.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good 3
The student master the theoretical basics, strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research. The student is able to analyze the suitability of different qualitative data and methods, in his/her own field research. The students can analyze the qualitative research and its suitability in his/her field of research and development.

Very good 4
The student is able to synthetize and summarize theoretical basics, strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research. The student is able to create new knowledge by utilizing qualitative data and methods. The student is able to create new knowledge by utilizing qualitative research in his/her own field.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent 5
The student is able to determine critically the reasons for the qualitative research information theoretical foundations and methods. The student evaluates strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research. Student can evaluate a variety of qualitative data and methods for the purpose of different types of research tasks solving. Student evaluates critically qualitative research and its applicability in their own field of research and development.