Research Methods in the Social Sciences

The students will learn how to collect various forms of social science data (surveys, observations, public documents) and analyze this through various techniques (tables, correlation, regression and qualitative descriptions).

Knowledge - the student shall:

• have a basic understanding of the various research methods used in the social sciences, including the formulation of a research question, choice of research design, selection of investigative units and collection of data.
• have knowledge and sight as to quantitative analysis, including analysis of contingency tables, correlation analyses, linear and logistical regression analyses and the more important tests and generalization methods tied to this forms of analyses.
• have the ability to analyze qualitative data materials from interviews and observations and present the sources.
• know the basic rules of research ethics.

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• write an academic article in the social sciences based on quantitative data and quantitative analysis.
• write an academic article in the social sciences based on qualitative data and qualitative analysis.
• use computer software for statistical analysis.

4 hours of lectures every week throughout the semester. Four hours of group discussion/pc lab every week with exercise supervision.