FLKM4410 Research Methodology Course description

The Research Methodology course will serve as both the foundation, and provide some of the tools, for the work on the master’s research project and thesis. Research methodology is related to the practical craft of collecting and analysing data, grounded in a coherent theory of knowledge research paradigm (as introduced in course FLKM4210). Research methodology and specific research methods are covered in teaching activities in connection to each other, and in connection to theories of knowledge.

No prerequisite knowledge required.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student:

• has insight into the connections between r research methodology, particular methods, and theory of knowledge.
• has insight into central aspects of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies in the social sciences, relevant for the program’s interdisciplinary field of international development, education, and sustainabilities.
• has knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and methods, including questions of alignment between research questions, methodology, methods, and analysis of materials to generate credible findings.
• has knowledge of ethical challenges and dilemmas in research within the field of international development, education, and sustainabilities; and associated with particular research methodologies and methods.

Skills

The student is capable of conducting independent research, including:

• writing a coherent research project proposal and design.
• formulating research questions consistent with the research methodology, and selecting and appropriate research methods, relevant to research project located within the program’s interdisciplinary fields.
• locating their project within theory of knowledge paradigms.
• preparing and carrying out qualitative and / or quantitative research methods suitable for particular research questions and projects.
• preparing and carrying out research interviews.
• analysing research material / data.
• identifying and critically analysing existing research literature and findings relevant to one’s topic.

General competence

The student:

• has the capacity to design and carry out a research project, including the collection and analysis of data, within a selected research methodology and methods.
• understands and can discuss ethical questions about their project’s design and implementation.
• can describe and apply quality criteria to assess the value of their research findings.
• understands the basic characteristics and limits of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

All reference aids are allowed while working on the project description as long as the rules for source references are followed.

Supervised exam: No aids are permitted.

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.

The course starts with an introduction to scientific theory and various scientific theoretical positions. The research process from A to Z is also reviewed. Formulations problems are discussed in relation to previous research, theory and method. Differences between qualitative and quantitative data are described and various applications outlined. Research ethics, literature searches and validity criteria (reability and validity) are also covered.

None

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has

• knowledge of various scientific theoretical positions
• in-depth knowledge and understanding of how the research process takes place and which different methods are used in the social sciences

Skills

The student is capable of

• formulate suitable topics and research questions
• be able to connect research questions to theory and earlier research
• choose a suited method to be able to analyse and answer the research questions
• be able to handle research ethical considerations
• plan and write a master’s thesis in strategy, organization and management under supervision

General competence

The student has

• is familiar with theory abouth knowledge and able to evaluate knowledge claims

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.

The following coursework requirements must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• Coursework 1: Three written submissions of approximately 5 pages each. Each submission is written in groups of 5 to 7 students per group. All submissions must be presented in class and attendance at these presentations is compulsory. Each presentation lasts approximately 20 minutes. Written feedback on each group's submissions pointing to strengths and weaknesses will be given.

The purpose of the coursework requirement is to give students experience in planning and carrying out a research project.

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 one new opportunity to get these approved, within a given deadline.

The exam in the course consists of two parts:

1) 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 three students. The project description must have a scope of 10-15 pages. The project description counts for 60% of the grade awarded for the course. Font and font size: Arial / Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5.

2) A supervised exam of 4 hours. The exam counts for 40% of the grade awarded for the course.

Pass grades must be awarded both for the project description and for the written exam in order to pass the course. If a student has to resit the exam, the student can retake each part separately. It is not necessary to take both parts.