This general introduction to qualitative andquantitative research methods will provide basic information about 1)theoretical underpinnings of research methods 2) research designs 3) recruitingand sampling informants 3) data collection techniques 4) data analysistechniques 5) public presentation of research and 6) research article andreport design. Also, we will discuss the assessment of quality of differentforms of data and ethical and political implications of research. The studentswill gain more practical understanding of research methods while carrying out asmall independent research project.

Students are expected to:

- prepare the literature for discussions in class

- actively participate in discussions and assignments inclass

- form research groups of 3 to 4 people by 14-03-2013

- submit a research design by 10-04-2013

- submit transcripts of conducted interviews, focusgroups or observations by 20-05-2013

- submit a pretested questionnaire by 20-05-2013

- interpret their transcripts, analyze quantitative dataand provide the outcomes by 19-06-2013

- submit a research report by 15-07-2013

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

Aftersuccessful completion of this introduction, students will be able to:

- design independent research strategies

- design a questionnaire

- conduct and analyze qualitative interviews

- gather and analyze ethnographic notes

- use basic statistical methods

- assess research articles for their quality

- present empirical data

- write research reports and articles

Discussionof central texts of empirical research strategies

Development and presentationof the students' empirical projects

Students' performance will be evaluated through:

- Class participation (20%)

- Continuous research presentations (20%)

- Research design (30%)

- Research report (30%)