SIW4210 Knowledge Production in Social Sciences - Quantitative Methods Emneplan

The course provides in-depth knowledge of quantitative design and statistical analysis for use in the student's own master's thesis. The course focus on the possibilities and limitations of different quantitative designs, understanding various data sources, and quality requirements for studies based on statistical analysis within a social science research tradition.

The course includes in-depth knowledge of cross-sectional design, longitudinal design, experiment, and the survey method. Students will also gain in-depth knowledge of conditions that may affect the validity and reliability of a survey and skills in assessing such conditions. Furthermore, students will both learn and not least practice univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses.

There will be a particular focus on regression analysis. Through lectures, e-resources and seminars, students will gain in-depth knowledge and skills in the use of regression-based analysis.

Language of instruction is English.

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

• 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 student is

• 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 on campus, 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 project consisting of univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis (regression analysis).

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

• Coursework 1: individual project sketch. The project sketch must have a scope of up to 1 page.

The project sketch must be completed and approved by the given deadline for the student to take the exam. If the project sketch has not been approved, the student will be given one opportunity to submit an improved version by a given deadline. Coursework that is not approved on the second submission will disqualify the student from taking the exam.

The exam in the course is two-part: 1) individual supervised exam and 2) individual semester assignment

1) Supervised exam of 2 hours, in the form of a multiple-choice school examination. Counts 30 percent of the final grade.

2) Semester assignment with a scope of 10 pages (+/- 10 per cent). Font and font size: Calibri 12-point font. Line spacing: 1.5. Tables and figures are in addition. Course paper counts 70 percent of final grade.

A students who receive a fail grade of the semester assignment are given one opportunity to submit an improved version of the semester assignment for assessment.

Both exams must be passed for the overall assessment to be passed.

School examination: No aids are allowed.

Semester assignment: 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 an internal and an external examiner. A random selection consisting of at least 25% of the exam papers will be graded by two examiners which will form the basis for determining the level for all the exam papers.

Mats Eirik Lillehagen