The course is connected to the following study programs

  • Child Welfare, 5 year Master's Programme
  • Master's Programme in Social Work
  • Master's Programme in Sociology
  • Master's Programme in Sociology and Social Work

Teaching language

Norwegian

Course contents

The objective of the course is to teach the student to develop scientifically sound research questions and to investigate the questions empirically with the use of various methods. The student should learn how to use various types of data, and to have insight into what constitutes standards for research.

Central topics:

 

  • the different phases of a research process

  • the relationship between theory and empirical research (science theory)

  • benefits and limitations of different methods

  • collection and analysis of quantitative data

  • use of national and international databases, f. ex. The study of life cycle, generation and gender (LOGG) and the European Social Survey (ESS)

  • challenges in cross-cultural research

  • statistical software packages

  • combining different methods (triangulation) quality of quantitative data and research

  • scientific references

  • how to build a quantitative report (article, book chapter)

 

Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student should:

  • explain the relationship between theory and method

  • evaluate and apply appropriate methods both in collection and analysis of data

  • gain insight into how different methods can be combined

  • able to work with data at different levels

  • know the criteria for good research

  • be up to date on research ethics

Teaching methods

Teaching methods vary in combining lectures, seminars and group-work. Independent problemsolving is emphasised. Expected workload is about 270 hours.

Evaluation

The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Last updated from FS (Common Student System) July 1, 2024 1:36:41 AM