Research is a systematic activity that seeks to eliminate the influence of prior believes, ideologies, and alternative facts. Scientists conduct research to find out more about causal mechanisms of social phenomenon. The scientific method is consistent with numerous different research methods. The success of research primarily depends upon whether we have opted for the right kind of methodology to investigate the issue at hand.
The first part of the course focuses on the essentials of social research, i.e. laying down the purpose and scientific method of research in social science in general. What does empirical social research mean? What is scientific? Which steps are indispensable for an empirical research project? What is a good theory? How is a theory related to an empirical method?
The second part of the course discusses a selection of both qualitative and quantitative methods used in empirical social research. The strengths and weaknesses of a selection of quantitative and qualitative research technologies are analysed in depth. How can we capture social phenomena? Which method can be applied best to which settings? The application of these methods will be highlighted based on a discussion of published research.