Qualitative and Quantitative Methods

The course introduces central qualitative and quantitative methods in Film- and Media Studies. Throughout the course, exercises give students the opportunity to work practically with selected qualitative and quantitative data collection methods (interviews, questionnaires, document and archival studies, observation, and experiments) as well as analytical approaches (text analysis and statistics). The course also includes separate components in TV meter analysis and quantitative data analysis.
 

Overall, the course addresses basic methodology with a focus on the differences between qualitative and quantitative approaches, the strengths and weaknesses of the individual methods, and how they differ from one another. The course places particular emphasis on giving students a basic understanding of the role that methods play in empirical research, the consequences that the choice of method has for what can be investigated in practice, and what conclusions can be drawn from research.
 

Students learn about the differences between qualitative and quantitative approaches and get familiar with the purpose and application of specific research methods. Students also gain practical experience in collecting and analyzing empirical material using selected methods. Altogether, the course provides competencies in selecting appropriate methods for specific research questions and in applying selected methods correctly for data collection and analysis.
 

Throughout the course, students have the opportunity to complete two small exercises as part of the teaching, with the aim of ensuring that everyone gains a broad understanding of methods within both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Following these exercises, the students prepare a group assignment, which forms the basis for the oral exam.