This general introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods will provide basic Information about 1) methodological underpinnings of research methods and research designs 2) different forms of methods 3) use of statistical software 4) application to test data and finally about 5) the combination ofquantitative and qualitative approaches. We will place a focus on differences and similarities in both methods. Moreover, we will discuss the Quality assessment and the possibilities of how to combine different approaches in a fruitful manner.

The students will gain more insights in research methods. On the one hand, students will get introduced into qualitative and quantitative methods. On the other hand, they will critically reflect on both methods and on examples from published empirical studies,thereby building foundational knowledge for a further applied deepening in the winter term.

After successful completion of this introduction, studentswill be able to:

- understand different research methods and strategies

- know how to draft various tools for empirical analysis

- design a questionnaire and/or an interview guideline

- analyse data

- use basic statistical methods

- use various software packages

- understand the significance of quantitative as well asqualitative empirical research

- understand quality criteria in methods

- present the basics of different methods exemplified bypublished empirical studies

- 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!

Synchronous hybrid mode: the course is held on campus for one part of the participants – as many as are allowed to be present in the classroom according to hygiene standards. At the same time, the course is streamed for all students who cannot be present.

Presentations, discussions, hands-on exercises, use of basic statistical methods and various software packages

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

• In class contributions, oral presentations:  20%
• Individual home assignments 40%
• open book tests: 40%

Minimum points for each grade are as follows:

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

barbara.haas@wu.ac.at

astrid.pennerstorfer@wu.ac.at