Current active course description (last updated 2020/21)
Introduction to research methods in social sciences
ME118S
Current active course description (last updated 2020/21)

Introduction to research methods in social sciences

ME118S

The course provides an introduction to social science methods, both quantitative and qualitative. This course presents and discusses the key concepts in social science methods, methods its logical structure and how the qualitative data (interviews and observations) and quantitative data (statistics) are produced.

The course includes:

  • Development of how to create a research design
  • The importance of a well-developedgood research question
  • The relationship between theory and empirical work
  • How research to produces data
  • How data is interpreted and analyzed
  • Differences and similarities between qualitative and quantitative methods
  • Writing as a unique, independent thinking and analysis process
Admission occurs based on general study competence (university entrance) or real life and work competence (prior learning) according to current Norwegian regulations.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should:
  • Understand the creaion development of a research design
  • Have an overview of the various social science methods
  • Know the contents of various methods and analytical approaches
  • Be able to explain key concepts and approaches Be able to understand and assess the ethical challenges associated with different methods
  • Be able to master the relevant scientific tools, techniques and forms of expression
  • Be able to reflect on their professional practice and adjust this under supervision
  • Be able to plan and conduct a simple research task
  • Be able to read social science literature, as well as presentations of research in media with a better ability to understand and critically evaluate the results presented
No costs except semester registration fee and syllabus literature.
Compulsory
The study programme is evaluated annually by students by way of course evaluation studies (mid-term evaluation and final evaluation). These evaluations are included in the university's quality assurance system.

Due to the Covid-19 epedemic, a number of assessments and exams at Nord University has been changed.

Changes are made in accordance with the Temporary Regulations on Supplements to Regulation 31/01/2019 no. 63: Concerning Studies and Examinations at Nord University - Extraordinary Measures as a Result of the Coronavirus Epidemic- according to §2 of the Corona Epidemic, Assessment Methods, Sections 1-3

To accommodate this, the form of assessment will be changed from Written school examination to Take – home examination on this course in the spring of 2020.

Overlap refers to a similarity between courses with the same content. Therefore, you will receive the following reduction in credits if you have taken the courses listed below:

ME119S - Introductory Courses in qualitative and quantitative methods in Social Science - 10 credits

ME122S - Introductory Courses in qualitative and quantitative methods in Social Science - 10 credits

ME123S - Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Social Science - 10 credits

33707-2 - Generell sosiologi og sosiologisk analyse - 10 credits

ME118LS - Introduction to qualitative and quantitative methods in social sciences - 10 credits

ME224F - Social Science Research Methods - 10 credits

MET1001 - Research Methods - 7.5 credits

MET1002 - Research Methods for Auditing and Accounting - 5 credits

SOS107 - Social Science Research Methods and Term Paper - 10 credits

MET2003 - Social Science Method and Knowledge Development - 10 credits

MET1007 - Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Social Science - 10 credits