Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English

Recommended previous knowledge

A basic research methods course (preferably at the master’s level). The students must satisfy the admission requirements for the PhD programme in Social Sciences.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, the candidate will be able to

  • navigate the paradigms and philosophical approaches to social science research
  • describe and explain the core principles guiding methodological choices in social science research
  • discuss key elements, pros and limitations, of quantitative/qualitative research methods in social science research
  • develop research questions and a preliminary research design for the doctoral project
  • understand and apply key principles of research ethics in conducting research and publishing
  • understand the main principles of peer review and scientific publishing

Contents

The objective of the course is to develop knowledge and skills in the different facets of social science research. The relationship between research problem, research design, methodological choices, and methods of analysis- including ethical issues- are central elements of the course.

  • philosophical foundations of social science research
  • research paradigms and progress in social science
  • knowledge gap and research question
  • Methodological consideration for selecting an appropriate method and defining a suitable research design
  • ethical considerations in social science research
  • Peer review and publishing in social sciences

Teaching and learning methods

The course will be conducted as a combination of lectures. Candidates are required to read the assigned literature before coming to each session.

Examination requirements

Attendance for each session is mandatory, unless the candidate has obtained prior approval of exemption. If a candidate misses a module or a part of it, they will be required to submit a written analysis and critique of a published article that applies the research methods discussed in the module.

Examinations

The candidates will be evaluated based on a group assignment (two students per group) that entails a short research design description, a peer review, and a response to the peer review (in total approximately 7,000 words for each student). The assignment will be graded as pass or fail, where pass is equivalent to a grade B or better. Candidates will be matched to a mentor in the first session who will guide them in developing and completing the term paper.

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Other information

Contact person: Professor Marco Seeber

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
ME-625 – Researching Social Sciences. 5
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 6:36:54 PM