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Syllabus

FÖ0470 Research methods in social sciences, 15.0 Credits

Samhällsvetenskapliga forskningsmetoder

Subjects

Sustainable Development Business Administration

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	15.0	0101

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to

- 120 credits at first-cycle level

and

- English 6.

Objectives

The general objective in this course is to support the development of understanding of methodological issues in social sciences with special focus on business administration perspectives. Insights in method includes both capability to carry out research, evaluate research and take the role as a constructive dialogue partner in multi-disciplinary problem areas related to sustainable development.

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to

• account for and discuss dimensions of sustainable development (environmental, economic and social), with special focus on how research objectives and ethical aspect affect the choice of an appropriate research design

• discuss the strengths and weaknesses of common research designs, including different methods for collecting and analyzing data

• discuss and critically interpret methodological choices and how it affects academic studies

• present, analyse and discuss a research plan with particular focus on research design.

Content

The course is largely based on assigned readings, discussion seminars, and written assignments. The course begins with a review of the philosophical issues that underlie methodological choices in academic research, which is followed by an overview of common methods for collecting, analysing, presenting and assessing data in different approaches. The course focuses specifically on how sustainability affects how research objectives and ethical aspects are realized in different research approaches. With an established awareness that choices of method are influenced by subjective and philosophical positions, the course then proceeds with a more in-depth review of a number of sub-topics.

The sub-topics address the following issues

• the role of the researcher

• logically consistent research design and rhetoric in presentation

• relevance and contribution (empirical and theoretical)

• sustainable development and its affect on the design of research projects,

• different methods and techniques for data collection (e.g. interviews, questionnaires, archival data)

• different methods and techniques for data analysis (e.g. content analysis, discourse analysis, regression analysis, factor analysis and meta-analysis).

In the last part of the course students are given a task to draft a project plan. The project plan should reflect a well-developed design, including sustainable development. This plan is presented and students take a discussant role in a critical and constructive dialogue.

The course includes obligatory sessions, like seminars and workshops.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed exam. Passed assignments and project work. Completed obligatory sessions.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
• For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

During the course Zoom or similar platforms are used. A requirment to attend the course is a working camera and mic.

The time frames for the course follow Central European Standard Time with a possible time for lectures and seminars 08-17.

The course's lectures and seminars are synchronous. They are not recorded.

Responsible department

Department of Forest Economics