SIW4220 Qualitative Methods and Research Design Course description

A student who has completed the course has the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge and skills:

Knowledge

The student has

• thorough knowledge of the research process
• advanced knowledge of quantitative research designs: their appropriate use as well as strengths and limitations
• thorough knowledge of important concepts such as measurement, reliability, validity, and generalization.

Skills

The student can

• relate research processes to scientific theory and ethical principles
• apply research methods in a reflective manner and appropriately choose methods that are relevant for different kinds of research questions
• use relevant methods for producing, analyzing and interpreting diverse types of empirical data (e.g. surveys or register data)
• use univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis techniques
• understand inferential statistics
• evaluate research based on quantitative methods in terms of methodological quality and appropriateness

General Competence

The students are

• familiar with, and critically reflect on various consequences of research
• able to use ethical judgement regarding one’s own position as a researcher and how participation in research can intervene in people’s lives.
• familiar with and can adhere to ethical regulations such as: correct and complete source information, informant anonymisation, confidentiality, researcher responsibility.

The course consists of lectures, exercises with statistical software, e-lectures and assignments that the students work with on their own and receive guidance via e-based resources.

Students will work with an analysis portfolio consisting of univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis (regression analysis).

None.

Semester assignment with a maximum volume of 10 pages (+/- 10 percent), including spaces. Font and font-size: Calibri 12 pt. Line spacing: 1.5.

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

Grade scale A - F.

The exam is graded by an internal and an 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.

Åsmund Hermansen

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

At least 25% of the exam papers will be assessed by two examiners. The grades awarded for the papers assessed by two examiners form the basis for determining the level for all the exam papers.

This course presents key concepts and analytical models used in comparative analyses of social welfare policies.