Research Methods and Design Part 2
The course is based on MET5008 Research Methods and Design Part I in Master in Social Analysis. The course provides an in-depth study of qualitative and quantitative methods, with emphasis on the methods' scientific basis, analysis and interpretation. In quantitative method, the focus will be on multivariate analysis methods, with the main emphasis on a thorough review of multivariate linear (OLS) and logistic regression. Methodological assumptions for using different multivariate research methods are a central topic, in particular different assumptions for causality thinking and causal models are discussed.
In qualitative methods, an in-depth study will be given of the theoretical and methodological basis of qualitative methods. The course reviews some key examples of qualitative methods with a focus on different methods for presenting and analyzing qualitative data. Particular emphasis will be placed on the connection between the problem, data collection and analysis.
Students must either be enrolled in Master in Social Analysis (full time), or apply for the course as a single course student/exchange student.
Single course students must meet the following entry requirements:
- Applicants must have a Bachelor degree of 3 years' duration (180 ECTS).
- Applicants must have passed exams of at least 80 ECTS credits in social sciences. The grade requirement is C on a weighted average.
- Applicants must have necessary knowledge of minimum 10 ECTS in Social Science methodology (we also accept Historical methodology).
Knowledge and understanding
The student should:
Have in-depth knowledge of key concepts and analysis techniques in multivariate quantitative analysis
Know different understandings of causality and causal mechanisms in the social science method
Have in-depth knowledge of various forms of analysis in qualitative analysis
Have in-depth knowledge of the relationship between theory, scientific questions and method choices
Have in-depth knowledge of research ethics issues in quantitative and qualitative research
Skills
The student should:
- Be able to apply probability theory and knowledge of statistical inference to evaluate the statistical significance of research results.
- Be able to interpret the results from bivariate and multivariate regression models
- Be able to analyze bivariate and multivariate crosstabs using causal models
- Be able to analyze relevant academic and research ethics issues in qualitative research
- Be able to apply their knowledge and skills to carry out qualitative work tasks and projects
- Be able to convey qualitatively professionally relevant issues, analyzes and conclusions
Competence
The student should:
- Be able to evaluate the quality of qualitative and quantitative research work with the help of knowledge about validity and reliability / credibility and reliability
- Be able to critically evaluate the methodological prerequisites for being able to use different multivariate models
- Be able to design and critically evaluate a qualitative research design
Teaching and learning activities will be organized as a combination of campus-based teaching, as well as guidance, seminars and group work that can be done both on campus and possibly digitally (Teams, Zoom).
No compulsory lectures or other activities
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:
ME311S - Qualitative and Quantitative Methods II - 10 credits
MET5011 - Research method and design part 2 - 10 credits