EPN-V2

FLKM4410 Research Methodology Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Research Methodology
Study programme
Master's Programme in International Development, Education, and Sustainabilities
Weight
15.0 ECTS
Year of study
2024/2025
Curriculum
SPRING 2025
Schedule
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

Individual three hours written exam

The exam grade can be appealed.

In the event of a resit or rescheduled individual written exam, oral examination may be used instead. If oral exams are used for resit and rescheduled exams, the result cannot be appealed.

Required preliminary courses

All printed and written aids. Handheld calculator that does not communicate wirelessly. If the calculator has the possibility of storage in the internal memory, the memory must be deleted before the exam. ccan be done. Sampling can be done.

Learning outcomes

Graded scale A to F

Content

The course consists of two parts, covering central aspects of social science research methodology and methods as appropriate for international development, education, and sustainabilities:

  1. Consolidation of ‘theory of knowledge’ introduced in course FLKM4210, which, among other things, covers:
  • fundamental issues of scientific explanation and their manifestation in the social sciences.
  • an introduction to the social roles of science and the political, cultural and ethical grounds for and functions of knowledge, with particular reference to the interdisciplinary field of this program

  1. Research methodology which, among other things, covers:
  • concepts in social science research methodology
  • research design in the master’s thesis, including selecting a project topic, formulating research questions, understanding the role of theory, and selecting specific methods, including:
    • Case-study/ies.
    • Interviews.
    • Document / text / policy analysis.
    • Observations and participant observations.
    • Analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.
    • Questions of quality, reliability and validity in social science research.

Teaching and learning methods

One internal examiner. External examiners are used regularly.

Course requirements

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

  • An initial draft (1,500 to 2,000 words) of individual research project descriptions.
  • 80 % attendance requirement (see the programme description for more information)

The purpose of the coursework requirement is to ensure all students have developed, in consultation with their academic supervisor, a feasible research project description prior to commencing their research project in the Fall.

Assessment

The assessment consists of an individual course assignment: a 3,500 word (+/- 10%) written research project description that demonstrates a well reasoned methodological design and appropriate application of course contents.

Resit/rescheduled exam:

The resit/rescheduled exam is organised as a revision and resubmission of the course assignment, according to feedback provided in the initial assessment.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

Course assignment support material is permitted.

Grading scale

The grade scale Pass / Fail is used.

Examiners

The course assignment will be assessed by two internal examiners.

In accordance with the Guidelines for Appointment and Use of Examiners at OsloMet, the mode of assessment will periodically be reviewed by an external programme supervisor.