ØKB2124 Methods for Social Science

Contents and structure

The students receive a thorough introduction to social science research methods. The course gives an introduction to methodology, where various stages in the research process are covered. Both quantitative and qualitative research approaches and methods are studied.  Within quantitative data analysis, both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics are discussed. We apply regression analysis on various types of data. The course contains exercises where computer tools are used to analyze data and research problems within the field of business administration. Among the qualitative data collection methods that are covered are interviews and focus groups.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The student:

• Has an understanding of the different steps in a research process.
• Has knowledge of various types of research design and combinations of research approaches, both quantitative and qualitative.
• Has knowledge of basic data collection and analysis methods, both quantitative and qualitative.

Skills

The Student:

• Can define research questions and knows how to limit these, and to define relevant concepts and problems.
• Can reflect upon the possibilities for generalization, as well as discuss problems connected to validity and reliability, sources of errors, and misinterpretations in empirically based studies.
• Can consider alternative  methodic approaches to empirical analyses of research problems that often arise in the fields of economics and business administration.
• Can use and make conclusions from basic statistical methods.
• Can use and be comfortable with relevant computer tools in order to carry out in practice basic analyses based on empirical data.

General Qualifications

Based on the other method courses (mathematics and statistics), the student has received an introduction to social science methods, including applied statistics. The student is be able to reflect over research ethics as well as  assess alternative qualitative and quantitative research designs and methods.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

BØA115 Statistics (or equivalent) 

Teaching methods

Lectures and PC-exercises 

Compulsory learning activities

No

Assessment

Projectassignement in groups - 60%

3 hrs individual written school exam - 40%, possible digital exam

Grade scale A-F

Examination support material

Project assignment - All written and printed aids are allowed

Written school exam - Calculator

All calculators are allowed, with the following exceptions/limitations

- the calculator can not communicate

- the calculator can not handle symbolic mathmatical expressions

- the calculator will not be connected to electricity

- the calculator can not make noise in the exam fascilities

More about examination support material