Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course the students should be able to:

  • demonstrate familiarity with the steps of a research process and how to report research findings
  • demonstrate the differences between qualitative and quantitative methods
  • select an appropriate method for a given problem
  • plan an empirical study
  • critically assess the scientific quality of research
  • evaluate ethical challenges when conducting a study
  • demonstrate knowledge of appropriate and ethical data collection

Contents

This course provides an introduction to research methods. The course will address research design, generation of different types of qualitative and quantitative data, and practical and ethical considerations related to a scientific study. Furthermore, the course introduces concepts such as selection types, validity and reliability.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures and group work. The lectures are compulsory. Estimated workload is about 200 hours.

You find guidelines for compulsory attendance at UiA here: https://www.uia.no/english/about-uia/acts-and-regulations/guidelines-compulsory-attendance.html

Examination requirements

  • Approved compulsory assignments.
  • Approved compulsory attendance, at least 70 % attendancy.

More information in Canvas at the start of the semester.

Examinations

4-hour written examination under supervision. Assessment expression: letter grade, A-F.

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.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes. Subject to availability and capacity.

Admission Requirement if given as a free-standing course

Higher Education entrance qualifications.

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-112 – Social Scientific Methods. 7.5
ME-2100 – Social Science Methodology and Statistics. 7.5
ME-2100 – Research methods and statistics. 7.5
ME-2100 – Research methods and statistics. 7.5
ME-2100 – Research methods and statistics. 7.5
ME-100 – Research Methods in Social Science. 7.5
ME-108 – Social Scientific Methods. 7.5
ME-108 – Social Scientific Methods. 7.5
ME-104 – Social Scientific Methods. 5
ME-104 – Social Scientific Methods. 5
ME-105 – Reporting Method and Ethics. 5
ME-109 – Statistics, Methods and Applied Data Analysis. 5
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 8:33:23 AM