This is a two-semester course with the aim of independently conducting an interdisciplinary research project. In the first semester students will form groups and conceptualize their research project, the second semester will be dedicated to the realization of the group project. 

The overall topic of the research lab is the evaluation of health and health policy using quantitative methods. The first part of the course will be concernced with theoretical and methodological foundations with a focus on handling different kinds of databases (e.g. survey data). This will be followed by hands-on instruction on  how to:

• find a research topic,
• develop a specific research question,
• systematically view relevant literature and  
• plan an empirical analysis (research design). 

Hence, the acquired theoretical and methodological knowledge will be applied to an independent research project. 

After the course students will be able to independently:

• Develop and plan a research project
• Conduct a literature review on a specific research question with regard to all relevant scientific disciplines
• Choose a methodological approach that is appropriate for the research question
• Plan and conduct a quantitative, empirical analysis
• Write up a project report including all relevant information and results
• Orally present and discuss the research approach and findings

Furthermore, the course promotes the following (soft) skills:

• Working in (research) teams
• Dealing with conflicts within a team
• Ability to indepedently organize and schedule a project

It is mandatory to attend the first lecture unless otherwise explicitly informed by e-mail. 75% attendance is required.

The course applies a combination of

• Independent research conducted in self-organized student groups
• Lectures on different interdisciplinary research approaches and theories
• Instruction on the necessary steps and support in the implementation of a research project
• Regular discussion of the research progress

Grading: 

• Active class participation (20%)
• Oral presentation of research progress (40%)
• Written report (literature review + research design) (40%)

Successful completion of:

• PI "Grundlagen der Sozioökonomie"
• Block "Theorien und Methoden der Sozioökonomie"

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