Studyinfo subject MSL4200 2022 HØST
MSL4200 Research Methods and Theory of Science Course description
- Course name in Norwegian
- Forskningsmetoder og vitenskapsteori
- Study programme
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Masterstudium i styring og ledelse
- Weight
- 10.0 ECTS
- Year of study
- 2022/2023
- Curriculum
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SPRING
2023
- Schedule
- Programme description
- Course history
-
Introduction
The students must acquire the knowledge and skills required to plan and execute the empirical part of the master's thesis in public management. The course provides an overview of the different phases of a research process and raises fundamental issues relating to theory of science. Students should also be able to relate to international research.
The course is taught in Norwegian.
Recommended preliminary courses
Basic knowledge of research method and theory of science corresponding to bachelor level.
Required preliminary courses
None
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course, the student shall have the following knowledge, skills and competence:
Knowledge
The student has
- in-depth knowledge of key scientific theoretical traditions and positions
- in-depth knowledge of various qualitative and quantitative research designs
- in-depth knowledge of various methods for collecting and analyzing qualitative research data
- in-depth knowledge of various methods for collecting and analyzing quantitative research data, including multivariate methods such as multiple regression analysis, logistic regression analysis and factor analysis
- in-depth knowledge of assessing data's relevance and reliability
Skills
The student can
- formulate research questions and relate them to the choice of research methods
- analyze qualitative and quantitative data to answer research questions
- apply relevant theory of science, other theory and methods in the master thesis
- use qualitative and quantitative analyses, and interpret the results of these
- apply relevant multivariate analysis methods and interpret the results of these
- carry out an independent, limited research project in the form of a master thesis under supervision and in accordance with current research ethical norms
General competence
The student is capable of
- assess ethical issues that may arise in research and application of research results
- identify and assess relevant issues related to theory of science and research
- interpret and communicate results from empirical surveys
- apply knowledge and skills in the collection and analysis of relevant data sources
- assess the quality of current research
- communicate about methodological social science issues with specialists and to the general public
Teaching and learning methods
The teaching will take place as lectures, discussions, group work and seminars.
Course requirements
The following coursework requirements must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:
Coursework 1: The first coursework requirement is an oral presentation of a theory of science text chosen in consultation with the lecturer. If the student is not able to give an oral presentation, a written presentation can be submitted and approved by the lecturer instead.
Coursework 2: The second coursework is twofold: One section is related to qualitative research method; the second section is related to quantitative research method. Within each of the sections, students will deliver a paper with the scope of 5-6 pages. The total scope of the coursework requirement is therefore 10-12 pages. The assignment can be written individually or in pairs on agreement with the lecturer.
All required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline in order for the student to take the exam. If one or more coursework requirements have not been approved, the student will be given the opportunity to submit an improved version by the given deadline.
Assessment
The exam in the course is of a supervised written exam of four hours.
Permitted exam materials and equipment
No aids are permitted.
Grading scale
Grade scale A-F
Examiners
The exam papers are assessed by one internal and one external examiner.
At least 25% of the exam papers will be assessed by two examiners. The grades awarded for the papers assessed by two examiners form the basis for determining the level for all the exam papers.
Course contact person
Per Arne Tufte