IS-404 Research Methods in Information Systems
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Course Leader:
- Antonio Eduardo Diaz Andrade
- Lecture Semester:
- Autumn
- Teaching language:
- Norwegian or English. When international students attend, it will be given in English.
- Duration:
- 1 term
The course is connected to the following study programs
- Master's Programme in Information Systems
Teaching language
Norwegian or English. When international students attend, it will be given in English.Prerequisites
ME-100 or equivalent.
Course contents
The course includes the following main components:
-
How to write a Master's thesis - how to choose a topic, evaluate the thesis, define the role of theory and research methodology in the thesis
-
Research paradigms - the research process, philosophical foundation for characteristics and limitations for research paradigms, and how knowledge is generated and developed
-
Research methodology - description of different research methods that are applied in IS. Topics covered include qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection and analysis, action research and design research
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
-
explain differences between various research paradigms used in Information Systems (IS) research, and their implication on planning and implementation of research studies
-
choose the appropriate method(s) for different research questions based on adequate knowledge of various research methods (quantitative, qualitative and design oriented)
-
produce a research design to implement scientific studies on Master's level, focusing particularly on the Master's thesis, which includes the development and formulation of a research proposal, design of data collection and analysis, and report
-
use various research methods for completion of practice related projects that meet different needs
-
describe established ethical rules and norms of sound research
Examination requirements
Passed compulsory assignments are required to take the exam. Participation in class discussions is required in order to complete and obtain certain mandatory assignments. Information about these terms is described in Canvas.
Teaching methods
The teaching consists of a combination of lectures (together with IS-503), group work and project assignments. There is a compulsory attendance in parts of the teaching, this will be specified at the start of the semester. Expected working hours are 270 hours
Evaluation
The person responsible for the course, 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.
Admission for external candidates
No
Assessment methods and criteria
The exam is conducted as a directory evaluation of submitted project assignments (portfolio). Further information is described in Canvas. The exam is assessed in the form of a letter grade, A-F. There is no postponed examination in this course.
Reduction of Credits
This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:
| Course | Reduction of Credits |
|---|---|
| IS-4900 – Research methods within Informationsystems | 7.5 |
| IS-503 – Research Methods in Information Systems | 7.5 |