This general introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods will provide information about 1) methodological underpinnings of research methods 2) different forms of methods 3) use of statistical software 4) application to test data and finally about 5) the combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches. Moreover, we will discuss the quality assessment and the possibilities of how to combine different approaches in a fruitful manner.

Topics of the quantitative part: working with STATA, statistical inference, OLS regression

STATA is both a very powerful statistical package and in wide use by academics and researchers in a variety of subjects, including economics. It is relatively easy to use and learn and especially recommended if you have little statistical knowledge and no programming knowledge at all.

The great advantage of Stata is that it can be extended by a considerable selection of user-written plug-ins (so-called 'ados'). Coding in the so-called do-files with the special Stata code is the primary operating option, as the code is surprisingly concise and efficient.

Topics of the qualitative part: We will learn how to collect our own data using qualitative methods such as (expert) interviews, focus groups and multiple-person interviews. We will also learn how to analyse this data by applying different analytical methods (that can also be used for analysing artefacts). You can also carry out the analysis using MAXQDA software.

A published article whose findings are based on empirical methods forms the starting point for the students' own research work in small groups (2 to 4 students). The group will conduct additional qualitative data collection and analysis to reflect on their basic published article and their own approach.

This semester the focus is on building foundational knowledge for a further applied deepening in the winter term.

After successful completion of this introduction, students will be able to:

- understand different research methods and strategies

- design an interview guide or a plan for data collection

- analyse data

- apply statistical methods

- use of STATA

- understand quality criteria in methods

- write a critical reflection on quantitative and qualitative methods

80% attendance of the class is required! If you miss a class, please inform us in advance!

Presentations, discussions, hands-on exercises, doing a qualitative research project in a small group, application of statistical methods using Stata

Marking is based on your contributions in the quantitative and qualitative part:

• In class contributions, oral presentations:  10%
• Individual and group home assignments: 47%
• open book tests and quizzes: 43%

Minimum points for each grade are as follows:

minimum points
5    -
4    61
3    71
2    81
1    91

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barbara.haas@wu.ac.at

astrid.pennerstorfer@wu.ac.at