FLKM4410 Forskningsmetode Emneplan

Research methodology will serve as a tool for the work on the master’s thesis. In the course research methodology is related to the practical craft of collecting data as well as to the theory of knowledge. Research methodology and theory of knowledge are presented separately below, but are closely interrelated and will be seen in connection with each other in the teaching activities.

No prerequisite knowledge required.

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

• has insight into important topics in research methodology and theory of knowledge

• has insight into the relevance of research methodology and theory of knowledge for development studies and international education studies

• has knowledge of ethical challenges and dilemmas in research on education and development

Skills

The student

• is capable of formulating questions of relevance to methodology and theory of knowledge to development studies and international education studies

• is capable of applying relevant methodological approaches

• is capable of conducting a critical analysis of selected methodological questions of relevance to development and international education studies

• is capable of formulating and discussing theory of knowlegde problems in the field

• is capable of critically assessing ethical issues in their own and others’ research practice

General competence

The student

• has sufficient knowledge to assess the relevance of theories and methods in the research field international education and development

• is capable of disseminating his/her own and other people's knowledge in an academically sound manner

The course consists of two parts:

Theory of knowledge, which, among other things, covers:

• fundamental issues of scientific explanation

• an introduction to the social roles of science and the political, cultural and ethical grounds for and functions of knowledge, with particular reference to science of education and development studies

Research methodology, which, among other things, covers:

• concepts in social science research methodology

• theoretical and empirical research carried out in studies of international education and development

• reliability and validity issues

• quantitative and qualitative methods with particular emphasis on fieldwork methodology, document analysis and interview/questionnaire methods

• reading, interpreting and using quantitative and qualitative data

• knowledge of research design and application of research methodology in work on the master’s thesis

The work and teaching methods used in the course are characterised by lectures and dialogue and discussions, to which the students bring their own different practical experience and academic backgrounds. See the programme description for further details.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam: 

• An individual project description for the master’s thesis of 3,500 to 4,500 words.
• An individual written report of 900 to 1,300 words based on an interview, observation etc. (to be agreed with the course coordinator).

The assessment consists of an individual six-hour written examination with invigilation.

Resit/rescheduled exam

The resit/rescheduled exam is organised in the same way as the ordinary exam.

No examination support material is permitted.

Letter grades ranging from A to F are used, with A being the highest grade and E the poorest pass grade, and F being a fail grade.

The exam will be assessed by one internal and one external examiner.