Research Design and Methods
Summary
This course consists of a general introduction addressing ontology, epistemology, research ethics, and research design, focusing on how to formulate research questions, the role of theory, and an overview of research methods explaining the different forms of knowledge that various methods can provide. In addition to providing you with the tools for research design, the course gives more details on different, in particular qualitative, methods.
About
This course teaches you how to independently develop a scientific research proposal. The course consists of lectures on ontology, epistemology, research ethics, and research design, focusing on how to formulate research questions, the role of theory, and an overview of research methods explaining the different forms of knowledge that various methods can provide. Conceptual, procedural, and ethical considerations as well as gender, class, and cultural biases in research are also highlighted. In addition to developing your own research proposal, you will also take part in a seminar on positionality, in which you are encouraged to reflect on your own identities and assets from a research perspective.
The course will give you the tools to assess your own and others’ research endeavours, including the important question of research ethics and your own position vis-a-vis the research subject and project as a whole. In an increasingly polarized society, a solid knowledge of research design and methods is imperative and enables you to critically take part in and scrutinize research results, reports, and public debates.
During the course, you will develop your own research proposal. You will present different drafts of the proposal, receive feedback from peers and teachers, and rework the proposal until the final seminar. You will reflect on the relationship between theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, research questions, and analysis and you will learn how to assess the most adequate relation between research questions, methods, techniques, and different types of empirical material. One of the assignments in the course is formulated as an exercise where you choose one of the methods presented in the course and try this out in practice, for example, conduct an interview, do participant observation, or carry out a discourse analysis.
Prerequisites and selection
Requirements
A Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 30 credits in a subject within the field of Global Studies, or equivalent competence. Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English B from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.
Selection
Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 285 credits
After graduation
The course gives you the necessary tools to write a master´s thesis. Solid knowledge in research design and methods will also prepare you for future work in government organizations and non-governmental organizations, and work tasks such as assessing methods and results, writing reports, and other analytical work tasks.
