Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- obtain, utilise and assess R&D-related information and their sources critically
- follow the rules of ethical principles applied in all research activities
- use the most typical research and development methods of their own field
- write a scientific report and is familiar with the requirements for language and style and how to document the sources

Implementation and methods of teaching

Lectures on campus, assignments, independent studying and two midterm exams.

Timing and attendance

Lectures on week 2-15 according to timetable

Attending the first lecture is compulsory: course information and instructions are given.

1st midterm exam on week 8 according to the timetable
2nd midterm exam on week 16 according to the timetable

Learning material and recommended literature

Lecture material given by the teachers in Moodle.

Exam retakes

Re-exam dates announced at the beginning of the course.

Learning environment

Lectures and Moodle

Student time use and work load

5 cr = 135 hours of student work.

Lectures
Assignments
Independent studying
1st and 2nd midterm exams

Contents

Research path: research process and basic concepts.

Features of quantitative research. Nature of qualitative research method and its 'sub-methods', e.g. grounded theory, discourse analysis, and case-study. Collecting the empirical data. How to analyse the empirical data. Content of the research report.

Features of quantitative research. Basic statistical concepts. Sampling. Measurement. Descriptive analysis: transformations, tables, graphs. Numerical descriptive measures: measures of central tendency, variation and shape. Statistical relationships: linear correlation, cross tabs and chi-square test.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

First year studies completed or respective skills and knowledge

Assessment criteria

Two written midterm exams

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Failing to reach level 1 according to the evaluation criteria

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

1 = Student understands the basic research concepts and the steps of a research process. Student recognises different research methods. Student understands how to collect theoretical and empirical research data. Student is able to use basic descriptive methods in analysing research data and read the respective research results.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

3 = Student understands and is able to explain the basic research concepts, the steps of a research process and different ways to use research methods. Student is able to collect theoretical and empirical research data.Student is able to use analysis methods suitable for the research data and interpret the respective results. Student is able to write a research report.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

5 = Student masters and is able to use of the basic research concepts fluently. Student is able to justify the selection of data collection method and collect suitable theoretical and empirical research data. Student is able to justify, use and apply different analysis methos in different research settings. Student masters the interpretation of the respective analysis results and is able to draw practical conclusions based on the results. Student is able to write a profound research report.