SFV4800 Master Thesis Preparation Workshop - Quantitative Methods Course description

In Applied Analysis workshops students get the opportunity to learn more about the research process, different quantitative designs and the relationship between empirical analysis and social science/social policy knowledge. The course has an applied approach and it suitable for students who wishes to use quantitative methods in their master thesis.

The course introduces different quantitative research designs and analysis techniques, coding of variables, the relation between theory and analysis, and how this process is presented in a scientific article format. The students are given the opportunity to choose a theme from several predefined themes in social science/social policy with associated research data and theme specific curricula. During the course the students read and search for literature, develop research question, analyses data, and write a course paper based on one of the predefined themes.

To get an overview over what themes/data that are offered in the next semester, please go to this page.

For students taking the Master`s Programme in Applied Social Sciences, one of the courses SFF4100, SFF4110, SIW4200 or SIW4210 must have been completed and passed. Applicants from other master's degree programmes must have completed and passed quantitative methodology, worth a minimum of 5 ECTs.

After completing the course students will have the following total learning outcome defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has

• Advanced knowledge about the research process, different quantitative designs, data preparation, the relation between theory and analysis.
• Detailed knowledge about different quantitative analyse techniques, practical execution of quantitative analysis and interpretation of results.
• Advanced knowledge about presentation of results and dissemination of quantitative studies.
• Detailed knowledge about the chosen sub-theme.

Skills

The student is capable of

• Search for, relate critically to and apply relevant literature within a limited thematic area.
• Work independently with practical data preparation, analysis, and interpretation of quantitative data.
• Analyse empirical research based on quantitative data.
• Understand quantitative research articles and present own research questions, analysis, results, and conclusions in article format..

General competence

The student is capable of 

• Applying theoretical perspectives, earlier research, and skills in quantitative method in new areas to conduct job assignments and projects.
• Communicating about academic research questions, analysis, and conclusions in quantitative method.  

The course consists of lectures, e-lectures, seminars and group supervision. The main emphasis is on student active teaching in the form of workshops.

There are no compulsory assignment in this course.

The exam is an individually written report in article format. The article will comprise 10 pages (+/- 10 percent), Calibri, pt. 12, 1.5 line spacing, including figures and tables. The article must incorporate the syllabus selected by the student.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Grade scale A - F. 

The exam papers are assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

A random selection consisting of at least 25 % of the exam papers will be graded by both an internal and external examiner. This will inform the grading of the remaining exam papers.

You can apply for admission to the course without being a student at the Department of Social Work, Welfare and Social Policy

Marja Aartsen, NOVA, SVA, OsloMet