Research Methods in Social Sciences, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Bachelor programme in Information Systems Analysis

Entry requirements

For admission to the course, the specific entry requirements for admission to the programme apply.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- account for science traditions, mentality and the main concepts of social studies
- describe the most important approaches, methods and techniques in social studies
- account for and reflect on issues, problems and use of concepts in the area
- apply and practise interactive use of different scientific research and analysis techniques
- apply scientific techniques, such as interview and questionnaire, and write scientifically correct and interesting texts
- work in projects, draw conclusions, present and defend and publicly discuss before an audience
- be able to critically relate to knowledge, independent processing of literature and knowledge sources
- reflect on own positions, approach and own learning in the area.

Course content

Various forms of research where social sciences research methods are applied is practised in business management. These methods span from market research to organisation and impact assessment or evaluation of projects and investigations of activities. Different questions and assignments set very different requirements on how they should be examined, implemented and presented. Social sciences research methods should be seen as tools that make it easier both to carry out research and investigations quickly, professionally and with high quality and to assess the contribution of others.

Teaching and working methods

The course consists of lectures, literature, seminars, group discussions, workshops and supervision. The students should also study independently.

Examination

The learning objectives are expressed and are examined in individual assignments and group assignments that are carried out, reported and presented orally and in written form during the course. Compulsory practical parts should be carried out in addition to this these assignments.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

Department