This course provides a broad introduction to social science methodology with a specific emphasis on qualitative research design and methods. The main goal is to prepare students for writing their master’s thesis by guiding them through the various steps of the research process. Students will learn how to define a research problem, use theories, and translate them into testable hypotheses. Additionally, they will learn to conceptualize research problems in terms of variables, select appropriate cases to answer their research questions, and make descriptive and causal inferences.

Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to present their ongoing research projects and receive feedback from their peers and the professor. This feedback can be integrated into their research projects. The final goal of the course is to develop a research proposal for the master’s thesis.

There is very little set reading for this course. However, students need to prepare for each class (as per the instructions below) and in most of the first nine sessions this usually includes reading at least one article related to their own dissertation topic. This reading is essential to building a good research design (and hence essential to most of the assignments in the course).

The course builds on the “Research Methods in International Development” course in the first semester in two ways: first, it focuses on qualitative rather than quantitative research design and methods; and second, it emphasizes the application of the course material to the students´ own final research projects.

Assessment

The final grade will be determined by several elements.

Evaluation details:

• Class participation: 10%
• Grade for draft research proposal: 10%
• Feedback on draft research proposal: 10%
• Presentation of draft final research proposal: 10%
• Discussion of other draft final research proposal: 10%
• Final research proposal: 50%

Competences, learning outcomes and teaching activities (PDF)