MBA506 Advanced research methods and project plan for master's thesis

Contents and structure

The course is compulsory and is held in the third semester of the programme.

In the course, the student develop a research design for the master's thesis.

The course addresses research design, implementation and analysis of data and ethical issues relating to the student's individual master's thesis. This involves searching for and assessing methodology literature and preparing justifications for the choices in a own project.

Learning Outcome

Upon completing the course the student shall have the following overall learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student

• has specialised knowledge of relevant theories and methodologies relating to his/her own research project.
• can apply knowledge in new areas within kindergarten research

Skills

The student

• can analyse and critically assess his/her own research project and evaluate its limitations.
• can independently formulate a plan for a defined research or development project under supervision and in accordance with applicable research ethics guidelines.

General skills

The student

• can analyse relevant research ethics issues relating to his/her own project and how these can be managed in an appropriate manner
• Can communicate with specialist about the reasons for research decisions relating to own research project
• Can communicate with specialists and the general public about how his/her own project will contribute knowledge to the kindergarten field

Entry requirements

The students must have completed all courses in the first year.

In case of special circumstances, an exemption for this requirement may be granted.

Teaching methods

Teaching primarily takes the form of seminars, literature studies and supervision.

Supervision is available for coursework requirements.

The teaching presupposes that the students have worked compressively with the course literature in advance.

Compulsory learning activities

The student submits a project proposal for the master's thesis.

The project proposal shall comprise the background and purpose for the project, research problem and research method for how to implement the project.

If required, an outline of application to Norsk samfunnsvitenskapelig datatjeneste (NSD) shall be attached to the project proposal.

Approved coursework requirements are valid for 2 years following approval.

Assessment

Individual oral exam, 30 minutes

The student presents a poster of the research design for the master's project.

Guidelines for the poster presentation will be provided at the start of the semester.

Grade scale: Pass/Fail.

In the event of a new/re-scheduled exam, the same poster can be submitted once in revised form within 1 year.

Examination support material

None

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