This is the first part of a two-semester course, which aims at teaching students how to independently conduct an interdisciplinary research project. In this first semester, students will form groups and conceptualize their research project. The next semester will be dedicated to the realization of the chosen research projects.

The overall topic of the research lab is the evaluation of social and health policy using quantitative methods. The first part of the course will be concerned 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 independently organize and schedule a project

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

Successful completion of:

• PI "Grundlagen der Sozioökonomie"

We strongly suggest the completion of:

• Block "Theorien und Methoden der Sozioökonomie"

E-Mail for office hours.