FLKM4410 Research Methodology Emneplan

The Research Methodology course will serve as both the foundation, and provide some of the tools, for the work on the master’s research project and thesis. Research methodology is related to the practical craft of collecting and analysing data, grounded in a coherent theory of knowledge research paradigm (as introduced in course FLKM4210). Research methodology and specific research methods are covered in teaching activities in connection to each other, and in connection to theories of knowledge.

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 the connections between r research methodology, particular methods, and theory of knowledge.
• has insight into central aspects of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies in the social sciences, relevant for the program’s interdisciplinary field of international development, education, and sustainabilities.
• has knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and methods, including questions of alignment between research questions, methodology, methods, and analysis of materials to generate credible findings.
• has knowledge of ethical challenges and dilemmas in research within the field of international development, education, and sustainabilities; and associated with particular research methodologies and methods.

Skills

The student is capable of conducting independent research, including:

• writing a coherent research project proposal and design.
• formulating research questions consistent with the research methodology, and selecting and appropriate research methods, relevant to research project located within the program’s interdisciplinary fields.
• locating their project within theory of knowledge paradigms.
• preparing and carrying out qualitative and / or quantitative research methods suitable for particular research questions and projects.
• preparing and carrying out research interviews.
• analysing research material / data.
• identifying and critically analysing existing research literature and findings relevant to one’s topic.

General competence

The student:

• has the capacity to design and carry out a research project, including the collection and analysis of data, within a selected research methodology and methods.
• understands and can discuss ethical questions about their project’s design and implementation.
• can describe and apply quality criteria to assess the value of their research findings.
• understands the basic characteristics and limits of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

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.

Students are assigned an academic supervisor for their research project (FLKM5000) by the start of this course, with up to 10 hours (out of 50 hours in total) of supervision available for work on the development of their research project description.

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:

• Knowledge of the concept of "scientific knowledge" and the various methods for producing knowledge such as experimenting, modeling, and statistical methods.
• knowledge of induction, deduction, and abduction as scientific approaches
• knowledge of the structure and content of scientific articles and dissertations
• knowledge for assessing research ethical issues related to one’s own project
• knowledge of the characteristics of situations that can be considered plagiarism and scientific misconduct.

Skills

The student is capable of:

• applying relevant methods for research or development work in one’s own work.
• using online search technology to find relevant information.
• applying relevant resources for clarifying and finding solutions to ethical issues.
• using relevant technological knowledge and scientific methods and principles when planning and conducting the research

General competence

The student is capable of:

• conducting an independent, limited research or development project under supervision and in line with current research ethics norms
• evaluating research ethical issues in connection with the planning and implementation of a master's thesis
• searching online scientific databases to find relevant information

The teaching will consist of participation in lectures and project work.

The following coursework requirements must be approved to be eligible for the exam:

The students must have individual reflection notes from the sessions they participated (approx. 2-3 pages per note) approved and linked to 80% of the total lectures.

Group work, written project report of 20 pages.

Each group should be between 3 - 4 students.

Students can appeal against the grade awarded for the report.

All aids allowed.