Syllabus

Title
2145 Empirical Quantitative Research
Instructors
Dr. Katharina Gabriela Pfaff
Contact details
Type
PI
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
09/17/20 to 09/20/20
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
This class is only offered in winter semesters.
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Wednesday 11/04/20 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM Online-Einheit
Wednesday 11/04/20 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM Online-Einheit
Wednesday 11/11/20 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM Online-Einheit
Wednesday 11/11/20 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM Online-Einheit
Wednesday 11/18/20 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM Online-Einheit
Wednesday 11/18/20 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM Online-Einheit
Wednesday 11/25/20 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM Online-Einheit
Wednesday 11/25/20 04:00 PM - 06:30 PM Online-Einheit
Wednesday 12/02/20 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM Online-Einheit
Monday 12/14/20 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM Online-Einheit
Wednesday 12/16/20 02:00 PM - 04:30 PM Online-Einheit
Procedure for the course when limited activity on campus

Der Kurs ist im Distanzmodus angekündigt und findet - unabhängig, ob der Campusbetrieb eingeschränkt ist oder nicht - in jedem Fall als "distance learning" statt./ This PI takes place remotely as distance learning - regardless of whether the operation on campus is restricted or not.

Contents

This course focuses on the practice and application of quantitative empirical research. Students will learn and discuss which type of research questions are typically analyzed using quantitative methods. A selection of empirical quantitative methods is revised and discussed using exemplary studies. Methodologically, the course focuses on the following topics:

  • Data collection and operationalization
  • Survey research
  • Experiments
  • Observational data analysis
  • Regression discontinuities
Learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to deepen an understanding of empirical quantitative research. By the end of this course, students

  • understand the scope of application of quantitative research
  • have revised different quantitative research methods and understood their strengths and weaknesses
  • can distinguish research designs and critically question selected research designs, methods, or instruments
  • will be able to evaluate the validity of quantitative studies according to certain criteria
  • can identify und suggests steps how to reduce uncertainty of empirical findings in quantitative research
Attendance requirements

Examination-immanent courses (PI) have compulsory attendance. Please mind that participation in at least 4 synchronous online sessions is necessary to complete the course.

 

Synchronous online sessions are scheduled for

  • Wednesday, Nov 4, 2020 (14:00 - 16:00)
  • Wednesday, Nov 18, 2020 (14:00 - 16:00)
  • Wednesday, Dec 2, 2020 (14:00 - 16:00)
  • Monday, Dec 14, 2020 (14:00 - 16:00)
  • Wednesday, Dec 16, 2020 (14:00 - 16:30)

 

Teaching/learning method(s)

In this course, quantitative research designs will be discussed both theoretically and practically using exemplary quantitative studies. For this purpose, the course will encompass a brief theoretical revision of advantages and disadvantages of a selection of quantitative research designs. The focus of a course session will lie on an interactive discussion of the practical implementation of a research design in selected quantitative studies.

Please note that this course takes place remotely as distance learning.

The course consists of both synchronous ("live") online sessions and asynchronous online sessions. Within each online session, students will read and reflect upon quantitative studies such that methodological knowledge is applied and deepened. In synchronous online sessions, topics will be discussed interactively both in the plenum and in small groups (i.e. breakout sessions). Tasks of asynchrnous online session can be solved flexibly within the time period of the session. Readings and course material, which support students in solving these tasks, will be provided online. From session 7 onwards, students will work in groups and apply their methodological understanding to selected quantitative studies. The course will wrap-up with group presentations held in the last two sessions of this course.

Depending on the type of task in asynchronous online sessions (e.g. reading comprehension, quiz, or open question), feedback to students' solutions will be provided either as an automized text or discussed in depth in the next synchronous sessions. For communication during the course, an online forum can be used. Any question regarding online modules is typically answered within three working days.

Assessment

Course performance will be evaluated based on the following 3 criteria:

  • Preparation and active participation during synchronous online sessions (20 points)
  • Activities such as brief MC quizzes and open questions during asynchronous sessions (40 points)
  • Group presentation and discussion at the end of the course (40 points)

 

At the end of this course, points are converted to grades based on the following scale:

  • 90-100 Punkte: sehr gut
  • 80-89 Punkte: gut
  • 70-79 Punkte: befriedigend
  • 60-69 Punkte: genügend
Last edited: 2020-08-25



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