The Process of Research: Qualitative Methods, Data Analysis and Academic Writing
Course description
The skills required to outline a convincing research design are some of the most crucial parts of the research that you will conduct. This is since research design forms the frame on which different other skills are assembled and connected to one another. This course is oriented towards helping you design, conduct and write up your research with a specific focus on the master thesis. In class we will discuss different approaches to research as well as problems, experiences and challenges which tend to surface during the research process. The aim is to equip you with methods, skills and tools that will help you make informed decisions during your own research and help you analyse and write academic texts. The course attempts to situate theory and methods across a wide variety of empirical settings from both the Global North and South and across contexts with examples from both rural development and environmental communication. The focus of this course is on qualitative research skills although we will discuss other approaches as well. We look forward to interesting discussions in class that will enable you to conduct and present your research in the best possible way.
Entry Requirements
Course facts
LU0091, The Process of Research: Qualitative Methods, Data Analysis and Academic Writing, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: Camilo Calderon, 2024-11-05
Valid from : Autumn semester 2025 (2025-09-01)
Level
Second cycle (A1N)
Main field of study
Rural Development, Environmental Science
Grading Scale
5 / 4 / 3 / U
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
Objectives
The aim of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to use relevant research methods and approaches to data analysis, so as to produce clearly structured academic research texts.
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- select relevant research methods in relation to a given research problem
- maintain a reflexive position in relation to the selected research methods and be able to apply these in specific contexts, taking important ethical aspects into consideration
- structure and write an academic research text
- present a research proposal for a research project on rural and/or environmental aspects, such as rural livelihoods, natural resources management or environmental issues, including a thematic and theoretical background
- present an analysis of published research texts, concerning rural and/or environmental aspects, such as rural livelihoods, natural resources management or environmental problems
Content
Subject-related content
The course prepares students with the skills for identifying and selecting methods in the planning execution of their master thesis. The research methods that the student may select cover qualitative research methods with a focus on primary data collection via for example ethnographic methods. Quantitative methods such as surveys will also be briefly covered. Emphasis is placed on training students to write analytically and academically.
Teaching formats
To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used:
Lectures, literature studies, exercises, written assignments, oral assignments, seminars, presentations.
The course focuses on the following generic competencies:
Critical thinking, problem solving, scientific methods, oral communication, written communication, ability to work autonomously, plan and manage time.
The following components are mandatory:
See course schedule.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
- Passed written or oral exam(s) - Active participation in mandatory activities For further information, please refer to the course schedule.
- If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
- The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
- If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
- For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Urban and Rural Development
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Rural Development and Natural Resource Management - Master's Programme
- EnvEuro - European Master in Environmental Science
- Environmental Communication and Management - Master's Programme
- The Master's Programme Sustainable Food Systems
- Agriculture and Rural Development
- Agriculture Programme - Rural Development
- Agricultural Science with a Specialisation in Rural Development
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Research design and process | 5.0 | 0302 |
| Methods for data collection | 5.0 | 0303 |
| Methods for analysis | 5.0 | 0304 |
The Course Replaces
LU0039, LU0059
Other Information
- The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
- If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.