Applied Social Science Research Methods (MEN185)

Content

In this course you will learn about, and gain direct experience with, applied social science research methods. Along the process, you will also learn to develop and plan your own research projects by developing problem statements, research question, and research designs.

The course consists of three main themes:

1. Qualitative methods: The first theme covers the methodological choices, practical tools, and theoretical concerns associated with qualitative approaches to data collection and analysis. Examples of methods that may be discussed and applied are interviews, text analysis, content analysis, discourse analysis, participatory action research, as well as comparative, interpretative, and deliberative policy analysis. The precise content of the theme may be adjusted from year to year.

2. Quantitative methods: The second theme covers various ways of collecting primary and secondary quantitative data; applying standard data handling and analysis systems; analysing and reporting the findings; interpreting the results, and critically evaluating the quality of such work. Examples of methods that may be covered in the course are survey design and questionnaires, descriptive analysis, factor analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. The precise content of the theme may be adjusted from year to year.

3. Research design: The third theme covers design and planning of an independent research project from getting research ideas to writing up a formal research proposal. This includes the development, formulation, and clarification of the problem and question(s) to be addressed; what aspects to investigate; uses of theories and concepts; selecting the relevant data and methodology; research ethics, etc. This theme is taught as a preparation exercise for the master's thesis.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Upon successful completion of the course, students should:

1. Know and understand the principles of doing research in social sciences.
2. Understand the assessments behind selection of research design and methods of data collection and analysis.
3. Know about and be able to discern various research traditions and schools.
4. Have advanced knowledge about the strengths and weaknesses of various methods.

Skills

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1. Participate in the methodology discourse in empirical social sciences.
2. Evaluate social science research.

3. Design and conduct research, i.e., be able to choose and implement an appropriate research design, including:

   1. develop a problem statement and research questions
   2. plan and justify an empirical research strategy to explore a problem
   3. elaborate an analytical/theoretical framework
   4. collect, process, and analyse empirical data using both qualitative and quantitative methods
4. Critically assess and evaluate the uses of empirical data in their own and other’s studies.

General competence

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1. Independently assess their own and others' empirical research using the methods covered in the course.
2. Critically assess the uses of social science research and data in private and public sectors, outside of academia.
3. Balance scientific principles and professional ideals with practical limitations and conditions in practical situations.

Required prerequisite knowledge

Exam

Coursework requirements

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

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Method of work

Open for

Course assessment

Literature