MSL4200 Research Methods and Theory of Science Course description

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.

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Knowledge

The student has

• in-depth knowledge of theory of science perspectives on knowledge development

• in-depth knowledge of different research designs

• in-depth knowledge of various methods of collecting and analysing research data

• insight into the possibilities and limitations relating to research and development work

Skills

The student is capable of

• articulating research issues and research questions and relating them to choices of methods

• finding and expediently using relevant literature

• analysing qualitative and quantitative data to answer research questions

• analysing relevant scientific criteria in the assessment of theories, methods and studies

• 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

Competence

The student is capable of

• considering relevant issues relating to the theory of science, research methods and research ethics

• applying knowledge and skills in the collection and analysis of relevant sources of data

• interpreting and disseminating results from empirical studies

• communicating about methodological issues relating to social sciences with specialists and the general public

This course has two coursework requirements. 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.

The second coursework requirement is a semester assignment of 8-10 pages. The assignment can be written individually or in pairs on agreement with the lecturer. If the semester assignment is not approved, an improved version must be submitted within the deadline stipulated by the lecturer.

Both coursework requirements must be approved before the student can take the exam.

The assessment consists of a four-hour supervised written exam.

No aids are permitted for the written exam.

A grade scale with grades from A to E for pass and F for fail is used.

All answer papers are assessed by an internal examiner. External examiners are used in cases of doubt about whether a pass grade should be awarded and for spot check assessments of approx. 25% of the papers. The grades awarded for the answer papers assessed together with an external sensor form the basis for determining the level for awarding the different grades. The internal examiner shall take the external examiner's assessment into consideration in the grading of all the exams.