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. Students should also be able to relate to international research.

Language of instruction is Norwegian.

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:

• is capable of using and further developing their knowledge and expertise from several of the subject areas in the bachelor’s degree programme to carry out a realistic engineering assignment

Skills

The student:

• is capable of planning and carrying out a large-scale project in the field
• is capable of leading project meetings and communicating solutions both orally and in writing
• has practical experience of the basic principles behind scientific work methods, including searching for, assessing and using specialist literature and writing a scientific report
• is capable of searching for and assessing relevant specialist literature and writing the theoretical part of a scientific report based on this material

General competence

The student:

• is capable of translating knowledge into practical solutions
• is capable, in an independent and systematic manner, of carrying out an engineering assignment based on a practical industrial or research-related issue
• is capable of communicating electronic engineering and information technology knowledge both orally and in writing, in both Norwegian and English
• masters both independent work and team work, including the planning and implementation of a large-scale engineering project
• demonstrates a responsible and ethical approach in their professional expertise

None

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 can

• 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

The teaching will take place as lectures, discussions, group work and seminars.

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.

The exam in the course is a supervised written exam of four hours.

No aids are permitted.

Grade scale A-F

The students shall apply knowledge and skills they have acquired in the study programme to a realistic engineering problem. They shall demonstrate the ability to further develop their knowledge and skills in theoretical and/or practical problem-solving. The students shall demonstrate a responsible and ethical approach in their professional expertise. The course builds on the first and second years of the study programme.

Prerequisite knowledge

Students must be registered in the third year and have completed at least 100 credits from the first and second years by 1 October before they are assigned a topic for their bachelor’s thesis.

Requirement for preliminary project

A project outline (separate form) must be approved by 15 November. It is the students’ responsibility to:

• form project groups consisting of four members
• contact an enterprise and agree on a collaboration for the bachelor’s thesis
• define a research question and a draft solution for the bachelor’s thesis