Research Methods and Project Seminar (MSO130)
The course will give an introduction to social science research and knowledge about different approaches within social science research. The course will provide knowledge and skills in both qualitative and quantitative research design as a basis for independent scientific work. The purpose is to support and help students progress in their master's thesis work.
Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
MSO130
Version
3
Credits (ECTS)
15
Semester tution start
Spring
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
Norwegian
Content
The course is focused on the students’ own work on developing a preliminary project plan for the master’s thesis. In addition, students will study:
- Quantitative methods and statistical analysis
- Qualitative methods and qualitative analysis
- Literature studies: an introduction
- Mixed Methods: an introduction
Learning outcome
After successfully completing the course, students will have achieved the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge
- Can explain what scientific research methods are
- Has knowledge about qualitative and quantitative methods, and what type of knowledge the various research traditions can contribute to the social sciences
- Has knowledge about statistical concepts and statistical analyses (univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis)
- Has knowledge about qualitative concepts and qualitative analyses (especially text analysis)
Skills
- Can apply quantitative and qualitative research methods at a basic level, and interpret results from studies that involve both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
- Can work independently with descriptions of distributions of individual variables, and relationships between several variables
- Can work independently with qualitative research
- Can apply thematic text analysis
- Students will have in-depth knowledge about existing research in their chosen research area, and they will be able to find research literature relevant to their master’s thesis.
- Students will have knowledge about writing a thesis.
- Students will be able to present their project in a structured and comprehensive manner.
- Students will master both theory and methodology to be used later when writing the master’s thesis.
- Students will be able to analyse and critically relate to different sources of information, and use these to structure and formulate academic reasoning.
General competence
- Has the critical ability to assess when quantitative and/or qualitative research is appropriate, and make methodological reflections related to research questions
- Can develop the ability to critically reflect on research ethics issues
- Students will contribute to innovative thinking, and they will be able to communicate about academic issues, analyses and conclusions.
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam | 1/1 | 6 Hours | Letter grades | Calculator |
Coursework requirements
This compulsory activity must be approved in order for students to take the examination. Approval/non-approval of compulsory activities is announced on Studentweb, normally no later than 7 days before the examination. Students who lack approval will be withdrawn from the examination.
Written Individual Assignment: A methodological assignment is to be submitted. Length: 5-10 pages. Reference style: APA 7th edition.
Preliminary project plan for the master’s thesis: A preliminary project plan for the master’s thesis must be submitted. Scope 5 - 10 pages. Referencing style: APA 7th. Students receive written feedback in preparation for submission of the final project plan.