Facts about the course
- ECTS Credits:
- 7.5
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Business Administration and Social Sciences
- Course Leader:
- Harald Klaus Dolles
- Lecture Semester:
- Autumn
- Teaching language:
- English
- Duration:
- ½ year
IDR710 Philosophy of Science and Research Methods (Autumn 2024)
About the course
The course aims at developing knowledge about research designs and empirical analyses of organisational and social scientific research questions. Students will gain knowledge about the methodological assumptions of different research traditions as well as how to analyse empirical material. The goal of the course is to equip the students with tools to be able to plan, facilitate and carry out empirical studies based on different research methods.
The course consists of the following four modules:
Module 1. Defining a research problem and designing the research project
Students will learn how to approach a research topic including selecting a research question, planning a research design and data collection strategy as well as the use of literature and theory in this process. This also reflects the need to gain a necessary understanding of the philosophical foundations of research before starting a project.
Module 2. Qualitative research designs
Students will learn about the uniqueness of different qualitative research approaches, and how, when and where can they be applied. Further topics such as research ethics and data protection regulations will be addressed.
Module 3. Quantitative research designs
Students will be introduced to core principles of quantitative methods, including survey design, sampling strategies, secondary data and statistical analyses.
Module 4. From data to text - preparing the research report
Students will be introduced to how to organize, analyse and discuss collected qualitative data.
The course is connected to the following study programs
Recommended requirements
Bachelor level introductory course on research methodology.
The student's learning outcomes after completing the course
Knowledge
Students who successfully complete the course will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge about how research is conducted
- understand current perspectives on research in social sciences
- classify and evaluate scientific contributions from different disciplines within social sciences
Skills
Students who successfully complete the course will be able to:
- apply and analyse various theories of science
- develop a research question and a research design
- understand the relevance and reach of different research methods, both quantitative and qualitative
- be able to participate in methodology discussions in empirical social sciences
- be able to evaluate social science research
General Competences
Students who successfully complete the course will be able to:
- relate critically to the choice and application of different research methodologies
- interpret research findings, draw appropriate conclusions and present those effective with high impact
- design meaningful statements and reports for research dissemination by applying key academic skills and competences
Forms of teaching and learning
Active participation and engagement in course activities across the four modules will promote learning and the creation of a learning community, so they are encouraged and expected. Participants must turn in all completed assignments by the due date, participate in lab-exercises, and contribute to group discussions that will take place during the course.
The working and learning activities build upon:
Veal, Anthony James and Darcy, Simon (2014). Research Methods in Sport Studies and Sport Management. A Practical Guide. Milton Park, Abingdon: Routledge.
Additionally, a collection of articles will be recommended and made available during the course.
For further introductory reading on Philosophy of Science the book by Peter Godfrey-Smith (2003). Theory and Reality. An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science, Chicago, ILL: University of Chicago Press is recommended.
Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam
- Mandatory coursework: Assignment(s)
- Courseworks given: 5
- Courseworks required: 4
- Presence: Required
- Comment: Four mandatory assignments during the course. Those assignments (individual and/or team) will be marked with pass/fail, however, all must be passed in order to advance to the course exam.
Examination
- Form of assessment: Written home assessment
- Proportion: 100%
- Duration: 5 hours
- Grouping: Individual
- Grading scale: Letter (A - F)
- Support material: Open book exam - all printed and written support material
Course evaluation
Four mandatory assignments during the course. Those assignments (individual and/or team) will be marked with pass/fail, however, all must be passed in order to advance to the course exam.