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.

The exam in the course is an individual course paper. The course paper must have a scope of max 3500 words (reference list/literature list is not included). Font and font size: Arial/Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5.

Students awarded a fail grade are given one opportunity to submit an improved version of the assignment for assessment.

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 teaching takes place with in-person attendance on campus.

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 with a duration of 10-15 minutes 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 3-4 pages presentation can be submitted and approved by the lecturer instead.
• Coursework 2: Qualitative research method. Students will deliver a paper with the scope of 5-6 pages. The assignment can be written individually or in pairs on agreement with the lecturer.
• Coursework 3: Quantitative research method. Students will deliver a paper with the scope of 5-6 pages. The assignment can be written individually or in pairs on agreement with the lecturer.

The purpose of the coursework requirements is to provide students with practice in reflecting on the significance of philosophy of science for research and the practical application of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

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 course provides an overview of forms of governance and governance challenges in the public sector, enabling students to acquire a good knowledge base for the rest of the programme. Governance reforms and governance instruments are placed in a theoretical and contextual perspective. Students will gain an understanding of the concepts governance and management, and an insight into key development trends and important implications relating to relevant changes in forms of governance and management. There will be an emphasis on studying the international and national development in public administration policy and public sector reforms.

Language of instruction is Norwegian.

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

• in-depth knowledge of the concepts governance and management and their use in different contexts
• in-depth knowledge of key public governance instruments
• in-depth knowledge of the connection between social changes and governance challenges in the public sector, and between governance challenges and changes in forms of governance and management
• in-depth knowledge of international trends in public sector reforms and Norwegian management policy
• insight into the relationship between systems of governance and civil society and an understanding of democratic implications relating to the development of different forms of governance
• insight into ethical issues relating to public governance

Skills

The student is capable of

• analysing governance challenges in the public sector
• assessing how these challenges can be met through reforms and measures
• assessing different governance tools in public policy

General competence

The student is capable of

• disseminating the results of independent work, writing reports, and giving oral presentations as forms of communication
• applying knowledge and skills in obtaining and using relevant sources, literature and other information, masters reference and quotation techniques, and is capable of defining what constitutes plagiarism and cheating
• communicating with both specialists in the field and the general public about relevant issues, analyses and conclusions relating to reforms and management policy
• playing an active role in renewal and reform work and contributing critical perspectives to such processes

The teaching is session-based in the form of lectures, student presentations, discussions, group work and seminars. One session may be arranged outside the OsloMet campus at a hotel with option for overnight stay. Food and any accommodation expenses are covered by the students themselves.

Students will write assignments between the sessions. A high degree of independent activity is expected. The teaching will mainly be problem-based using examples and cases from the students' practical experiences.

The teaching takes place with in-person attendance on campus.

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

• Coursework 1: Students will submit an individual presentation note of maximum three pages and hold an oral group presentation of approx. 15 minutes.

The purpose for writing this note and making this presentation is to get the students to start early with preparing the groundwork for the course paper with possibilities for receiving feedback from fellow students.

All required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline in order for the student to take the exam. If the coursework requirements have not been approved, the student will be given the opportunity to submit an improved version once by the given deadline.