75197 - Qualitative Research (RN)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will be able to develop and apply original ideas to qualitative research in nursing and midwifery.

Course contents

The lectures aim to examine the epistemological and methodological principles that characterize the main qualitative research approaches in nursing and midwifery. Particular attention will be paid to phenomenological research designs (descriptive/interpretive), Grounded Theory, ethnographic research, action research, narrative medicine, and historical research. Research designs based on mixed methods and the systematic review of qualitative studies (metasynthesis) will be explained.

During the lessons, students will discuss issues regarding sampling, data collection strategies (interviews, focus groups, participant observation, diaries), qualitative data analysis (content analysis, thematic analysis, interpretative description), scientific rigor, the critical evaluation of a qualitative research study, the dissemination of the results (publication in international journals).

Readings/Bibliography

Mortari, L., & Zannini, L. (2017). Qualitative research in healthcare. Rome: Carocci publisher.

Polit, D. F., & Tatano Beck, C. (2014). Fundamentals of nursing research. Milan: McGraw Hill.

Flick, U. (2022). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research design. London, UK: Sage.

Further references will be provided during the lessons

Teaching methods

The course is divided into lectures, seminar activities, and practical exercises, individual and small groups, focusing on specific relevant phenomena for nursing and midwifery. Students will be encouraged to actively participate and discuss the topics covered. The course also includes seminar-laboratory meetings with the presentation of research projects.

Assessment methods

At the end of the course, students are individually asked to write a research protocol that will be presented and discussed during the oral exam. Students will draft a research protocol for qualitative studies according to a specific format indicated by the teacher.

The objective of the exam is to evaluate the learning and critical elaboration of the main concepts discussed during the lessons, with particular reference to logical consequentiality and application in the field.

The research protocol should be sent via e-mail to the teacher at least 10 days before the exam date.

The grade will be established as follows:

• 30 cum laude, excellent implementation of the research protocol, complete with all the required parts, in compliance with the submission deadline.

• from 24 to 30, complete implementation of the research protocol, in compliance with the submission deadline.

• from 18 to 23, sufficient implementation of the research protocol.

The integrated exam is considered passed if the student achieves a final grade equal to or higher than 18 also in the remaining modules.

The test will be carried out according to the indications contained in the University regulations (which you are invited to consult) and according to any other indications provided by the academic bodies.

For requests for clarification, contact the teacher via e-mail.

Teaching tools

The lessons will be carried out by using the main technological tools (PowerPoint) together with the analysis of articles and research protocols.

Office hours

See the website of Valentina Biagioli