Qualitative and quantitative research methods (5 cr)

Course material

The lecture notes in the course page summarize key information from various sources. Regular attendance in classes and completing assigned tasks must be enough to achieve the learning objectives. However, research methods is a very complex and mature topic and there are wide varieties of textbooks available in many sources. If you want to go deeper into certain issues, I recommend:

· David S. Moore, George P. McCabe, Bruce A. Craig: Introduction to the Practice of Statistics, W. H. Freeman and Company, New York (Edition for use outside the USA and Canada)

· Patton, M. Q., 2015. Qualitative research & evaluation methods : Integrating theory and practice. Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications, Inc..

· Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A., 2016. Research Methods for Business Students. Essex: Pearson Education Limited.

· Silverman, D. & Marvasti, A., 2008. Doing Qualitative Research: A Comprehensive Guide. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications.

Study forms and methods

At the end of the study unit, students should be able to

· Differentiate scientific research from commonsense

· Identify key steps in the research process

· Propose, design and execute research taking into consideration the key elements

· Evaluate the relevance and applicability of various existing research paradigms

· Choose appropriate data collection and analysis strategy (for both quantitative and qualitative approaches)

· Evaluate own research considering reliability and viability criteria

Timing of exams and assignments

The maximum number of points for the course is 100, broken down as follows:

· Separate tutorial tasks (50%) [For both qualitative and quantitative part]

· Final research proposal (50%)

· Attendance, bonus (10%)

To pass the course, you must:

· Complete each item of assessment listed above

· Attain at least half of the available points for each item of assessment listed above.

· No exceptions will be made to these minimum requirements

Evaluation scale

1-5