EPN

ØAMET4200 Research Methods for Social Sciences Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Samfunnsvitenskapelig metode
Study programme
Masterstudium i økonomi og administrasjon
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2019/2020
Curriculum
SPRING 2020
Schedule
Course history

Introduction

The course particularly builds on a foundation course in social science research methods at bachelor's degree level and a foundation course in statistical methodology. This is a compulsory common course in the main profile Strategy, Organisation and Leadership.

Required preliminary courses

None.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge

The student

  • in-depth knowledge and understanding of how models are used in the social sciences

Skills

The student is capable of

  • formulating issues and research questions, searching for relevant literature and applying theory in a reflected manner
  • relating research questions and context to choice of method and analysing data to answer research questions
  • planning and carrying out the empirical part of a master¿s thesis in the field of organisation and management
  • carrying out an independent, limited research project in the form of a master's thesis in his/her field under supervision and in accordance with applicable research ethical standards 

Content

An introduction to theory of science

The research process from A to Z:

  • Topic and research question
  • Literature searches
  • Use of models
  • Design
  • Obtaining data
  • Analysis and interpretation
  • Forms of validity
  • Ethics
  • Reporting and presentation

Qualitative data

  • Sampling
  • Interviews
  • Analysis and validity

Quantitative methods

  • The survey method
  • Using secondary data
  • Analysis in brief

Teaching and learning methods

Varied forms of teaching will be used, with a combination of lectures, guest lectures, class discussions, project assignment and student presentations. A series of exercises intended to familiarise students with the different steps involved in research work is a key element of the course. These exercises are designed to enable students to assess, plan and carry out empirical studies.

Course requirements

Three compulsory exercises to be submitted in writing, each with a scope of up to five pages. Each of the three submissions must be presented to the class and there is compulsory participation at these seminars. All the exercises must be approved before the student can submit the project description (the exam). If the assignment handed in is not approved, the student will be given one opportunity to submit an improved version. The lecturer will inform students of deadlines for submission.

Assessment

A project description, i.e. a plan for a potential research project, for example in preparation for the master's thesis. The project description is individually or in groups of maximum two students. The project description must have a scope of 10-15 pages.

Students who become ill or fail an exam are entitled to register for a resit/rescheduled exam in the course in accordance with the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

All reference aids are allowed as long as the rules for source references are followed.¿

Grading scale

It is assessed as Pass/Fail.

Examiners

An external examiner will grade the project description together with an internal examiner.