Qualitative and Quantitative Methods II
The course builds on ME310S Quantitative and qualitative Methods I, and provides students with more in-depth understanding about quantitative and qualitative methods as scientific tools for analysing social phenomena.
In quantitative methods the main focus will be on multivariate models, and in particular multivariate regression analysis. We also discuss the methodological assumptions underlying multivariate models, especially the assumptions which causal analyses are built on. In qualitative methods students are given a thorough presentation of the methodological and scientific foundation of qualitative analyses, using different qualitative studies as examples.
Knowledge and understanding
The student should be able to:
- Have in-depth knowledge of key concepts in multivariate analysis
- Have knowledge of different understandings of causality and causal mechanisms in social science.
- Know the main themes in probability theory and statistical inference
- Have in-depth knowledge about the relationship between theory, scientific issues and qualitative methods
- Possess insight into various qualitative methods
- Have thorough knowledge of research ethics issues
Skills
The student should be able to:
- Use their knowledge in probability theory and statistical inference to asess statistical significance of different research findings
- Interpret results from bivariate and multivariate regression analyses
- Analyse bivariate and trivariate cross tables by using causal models
- Apply methodological skills in implementing own research
- Formulate problem complexes using qualitative methods
- Choose a suitable method and use various methods to analyse qualitative data
General competence
The student should be able to:
- Evaluate quantitative research by using their knowledge about validity and reliability
- Critically assess the methodological assumptions for using different multivariate analytical techniques
- Analyse relevant subject and research ethical issues in qualitative research
- Apply their knowledge and skills to carry out qualitative work tasks and projects
- Present qualitative subject relevant problem complexes, analyses, and conclusions
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:
ME301S - Quantitative Methods - 5 credits
ME302S - Qualitative methods - 5 credits
ME304S - Qualitative Methods - 5 credits
ME305S - Quantitative Methods - 5 credits
ME321S - Qualitative and Quantitative Methods II - 10 credits
SOS5000 - Supplementary module in social science research design, methods and analysis - 10 credits
MET5010 - Research Methods and Design Part 2 - 10 credits
MET5011 - Research method and design part 2 - 10 credits