MSB203 Applied Methods and Research Design

Contents and structure

The course consist of two interconnected parts. The first part starts with a broad overview of the theory of science and the methodologies associated with different social science research methods. The second part focuses on qualitative research methods. The aim of this course is to enable students to develop good research designs and analyse both qualitative and quantitat, which will enable them to write sound research reports and excellent master thesis.

Main objectives

• To give students a basic introduction to the most central ontological and epistemological positions within the philosophy of science.
• To give students a good understanding of the ‘methodology’ term, and how methodology is expressed in different designs (experiments, statistics, comparative methods, historical studies, and case studies)
• To give students an introduction to the genre of academic writing, as well as rules regarding research ethics.
• To give students a good understanding of different qualitative methods.
• To provide students with a sound foundation for understanding the difference between qualitative and quantitative research.
• To enable students to analyse and compare research articles that use different methods

Learning Outcome

Learning outcomes

After having completed this course, the students should:

• Have advanced knowledge of central ontological and epistemological positions.
• Have knowledge about the most important principles behind a good research design.
• Have good knowledge about methodologies associated with different social science research methods.
• Have knowledge about the ethical framework and judicial regulations regarding the gathering and storage of data.
• Have knowledge about problems in the theory of science and how these relate to choices between qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Have advanced knowledge about central methods and techniques in qualitative research.

Skills

After having completed this course, the students should be able to:

• Argue for a particular epistemological and ontological approach in a research design for a given context.
• Discuss the benefits and limitations of their choice of methodology.
• Interpret and analyse academic literature and choose relevant publications for their own literature reviews.
• Defend research designs that will be employed in research projects.
• Apply central methods and techniques in qualitative research.
• Analyse and compare qualitative and quantitative research articles

General competencies:

After having completed this course, the students should be able to:

• Analyse and weigh the benefits and limitations of different methodologies in their research.
• Critically evaluate the appropriateness of different quantitative and qualitative research methods for concrete research projects.
• Develop and implement an independent research project that is based on a deep understanding of the theory of science and different methodologies.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Teaching methods

The teaching occurs through a combination of lectures, discussions, and workshops.

Compulsory learning activities

None

Assessment

Two group assignments (2-3 students on each group). Each group assignment accounts for 50% of the grade. Grading scale A-F.

Examination support material

All written aids allowed

More about examination support material