Approaches to research methodology: qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods (3cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

After completing this course, the doctoral researcher is able to:
- identify and select various research methods among qualitative and quantitative approaches as well as possible combinations to conduct empirical research.
- plan and carry out the acquisition of research data, assess desired methodological and approach-related perspectives as they pertain to the doctoral researcher’s chosen research field.

Execution methods

Teaching profile: HYBRID 3

Content

This course examines the epistemological foundations of qualitative and quantitative research paradigms. Against this theoretical background, this course offers examples and small exercises to comprehend the possibilities and limitations of different research methods. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods will be considered to produce case-specific, rigour research.

Location and time

• Mon 2.9.2024 9:00 - 11:00
• Mon 9.9.2024 9:00 - 11:00
• Mon 16.9.2024 9:00 - 11:00
• Mon 23.9.2024 9:00 - 11:00
• Mon 30.9.2024 9:00 - 11:00
• Mon 7.10.2024 9:00 - 11:00

Teaching methods

Implementation methods: Lectures (12h), weekly assignment to be shared with a fellow student
• hybrid teaching, lectures can be recorded if necessary, however, on-site participation is preferred to achieve the best results
• Assignment: a small weekly assignment, to be shared with another student/sparring partner, will consist of
- a summary of the learned content (0,5 page),
- a discussion of how the content relates to own research aims (0,5 page), and
- review of the sparring partner’s input (min 0,25 page).

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Pass
The doctoral researcher distinguishes between different epistemological schools of thought with reference to the history of science and argues their relevance for contemporary science. They describe various approaches in social scientific research and select appropriate methods for data collection and analysis depending on their field of study. The doctoral researcher discusses possibilities to combine and apply different research methods with reference to a specific empirical example. Based on relevant academic literature, hypotheses are established and a plan for data collection and analysis are outlined. Reviewing each other’s input, the doctoral researchers reflect on their positionality, ethical issues and institutional constraints involved in their proposed research undertaking.

Fail
The doctoral researcher describes some epistemological schools of thought with reference to the history of science but fails to argue their relevance for contemporary science. They describe various approaches in social scientific research but refrain from selecting appropriate methods for data collection and analysis depending on their field of study. The discussion of possibilities to combine and apply different research methods remains limited and misses reference to a specific empirical example. Hypotheses are established and a plan for data collection and analysis are outlined, but pertaining academic literature is not referenced. Reviewing each other’s input, the doctoral candidate refrains from reflecting on their positionality, ethical issues and institutional constraints involved in their proposed research undertaking.