LFKK10258U Qualitative Methods in Agricultural Development

The knowledge and skills acquired through this course will be useful for for academic work at all levels, including for thesis work and relevant for students interested in research design, methods and methodology.

The course goes through the research process from designing the research and selecting methods to the process of qualitative data collection and analysis. It complements disciplinary skills with a view to get the full benefit of subsequent thematic courses, thesis work and post-graduate careers.

Specifically, the students will acquire knowledge within the following fields:
-Knowledge on available qualitative methods. Some knowledge about quantitative methods. Understanding pros and cons of each method.
- when and how to apply selected techniques for data collection (interviews, questionnaires, participatory appraisals; participatory observation);
- how to plan and conduct fieldwork (including in developing countries)
- how to analyse qualitative data
-Very basic introduction to theory of science,

The students will, among other things, obtain knowledge on:
- research processes and design
- planning and conducting data collection/fieldwork
- qualitative data collection methods
- quantitative data collection methods
- data recording
- data quality

Special emphasis will be put on how to apply qualitative methods in studies of agricultural systems and natural resource management, and on qualitative research in developing countries.