Introduction to Qualitative Research in Health Sciences
This course introduces the foundations of qualitative research. Together we will explore what qualitative research is, explore the scientific paradigms and assumptions that underpin it, and find out how it differs from—and complements—quantitative approaches. Particular attention will be given to the role of qualitative research in health sciences and evidence-based practice, including how to respond to common misconceptions about its scientific value.
Participants will become familiar with key concepts and stages of the qualitative research process and reflect on when and why qualitative methods are appropriate in public health and healthcare research. Using ethnography as an example, the course will also connect theoretical foundations with empirical practice through an observation exercise and critical discussion of published research.
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- understand what (qualitative) research and scientific methods are,
- know different research paradigms (orientations) and their meaning,
- know and understand the key concepts of qualitative research and its research process,
- understand the main differences between quantitative and qualitative research,
- reflect on application of qualitative methods in (public) health research,
- refute typical prejudices against qualitative research (in evidence-based practice) by argumentation,
- know key elements of one methodology (ethnography) and identify them in empirical research,
- have conducted and reflected on an observation exercise.
| Course language: | English |
| Duration: | 4h |
| Next Start: | 28 January 2027 |
| Workload in hours or ECTS: | 8h* |
Dates 2027
28 January 2027, 13.00 - 17.00
The course consists of face-to-face teaching in combination with pre-reading and home assignments.
Workload: 8h / The crediting of ECTS is possible and requires:
- individual preparation by studying pre-reading material,
- personal attendance at the course,
- completion of an assessment and/or a home assignment at the end of the course.
If all requirements have been met, a certificate for 8 hours of workload will be issued.
*This course does not directly award ECTS. However, it can be combined with other courses to reach a workload of 25-30 hours, to receive 1 ECTS. To add this course to your academic record, please create a Learning Contract on MOnA (choosing your supervisor as the assessor and pass/fail as assessment) before the start day of the course and follow the instructions of your respective faculty.
This course is open for everyone who is interested in gaining an overview of the latest research methods used in Health Sciences. It is especially appropriate for clinical investigators and research personnel involved in the statistical analysis of clinical research projects.
The course is specifically tailored for PhD students of the PhD subject Clinical Research enrolled at the University of Basel, Faculty of Medicine.
Moreover, PhD students of the GSMHS and of other PhD subjects of the Faculty of Medicine (Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Ethics, Medicines Development, Nursing Science, Public Health/ Epidemiology or Sport Science) are eligible to register for the course.
No prior knowledge of the specific topic is required.
Minimum 10 and maximum 15 registered participants.
CHF 350 CHF
Reduced course fee DKF research group members (for details see *)
*)The Department of Clinical Research (DKF) offers training grants for members of DKF research groups which result in a reduced fee of CHF 200. Please note, that training grants can only be offered to DKF clinical research group members, who are working at the group leaders’ local study center.
Limited free places available for (MD-)PhD Students of the GSMHS and of all (MD-)PhD subjects of the Medical Faculty of the University of Basel.
Cancellation of your registration is possible until 10 days before the course date. Cancellation thereafter or absence from the course will result in a cancelation fee of half the course fee.
Organiser
Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, c/o University Hospital Basel
Directors of Studies
Prof. Sandra Staudacher, Hochschule für Soziale Arbeit, Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW
Teaching Staff:
Prof. Sandra Staudacher, Hochschule für Soziale Arbeit, Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW
Mareike Gräter
Training and Education
Department Clinical Research (DKF), University of Basel
c/o University Hospital Basel
Spitalstrasse 8/12
CH-4031 Basel
mareike.graeter@clutterusb.ch
Tel. +41 61 556 59 76
Please access the DKF course platform for registration.
Medical Faculty, University of Basel
University Hospital Basel
Spitalstr 8/12, 4031 Basel
higher ground floor, right
Sitzungszimmer 8