EDS115 Introduction to Research Methods

The course covers qualitative and quantitative research strategies and methods relevant to B-IEDS as an interdisciplinarity bachelor program. The aim is to help the student to develop academic competence and skills such as precision in thinking and expression, as a basis for critical evaluation of scientific and other claims. We examine and consider what knowledge is and how it is generated, from methodological, philosophical, ethical, and sociological perspectives. Through practical experience, discussions, and course readings, students are introduced to qualitative and quantitative research strategies by carrying out a research project. The course covers all stages of a research process, from topic identification to research design, sample selection, data collection and management, analysis, and reporting results with appropriate source use and reference management. The quantitative research part of the course covers survey research design, the qualitative research part focuses on interview-based research.

This is an introductory course, which does not require a background in mathematics, statistics, or research methods extending beyond general knowledge.

Knowledge, competence:

The student is able to describe/explain

• the characteristics of quantitative and qualitative research questions and design, and the similarities and differences in the logic underpinning each of these strategies
• the possibilities and limitations of different qualitative and quantitative methods of sampling, data collection, and analysis
• the quality criteria of qualitative and quantitative research, and how they are linked to good research practices

The student is able to describe/discuss

• methodological issues related to interdisciplinarity and mixed-strategy research
• ethical considerations and challenges related to research, particularly research involving humans

Skills: The student is able to

• formulate research questions and hypotheses on a given topic
• design a basic qualitative and quantitative study, selecting suitable methods and justifying choices made
• find, review, and incorporate relevant literature into the study; critically read and interpret texts, assess claims made and their basis in evidence

Attitudes: The student is able to reflect on quality, ethical, and social challenges and obligations related to understanding and engaging with academic and general knowledge claims, e.g. related to own use of sources for study activities in general