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 of quantitative 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 of Stata

- understand the significance of quantitative as well as qualitative empirical research

- understand quality criteria in methods

- present the basics of different methods exemplified by published 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!

Notice of Special Regulation for Covid-19:  

      If a student is required to quarantine, or is otherwise prevented from attending class, due to a certified case of Covid-19 infection or a federally mandated Covid-19 lockdown, and this affects either attendance or the completion of an exam or other required course assignment, the course instructor is empowered to provide an alternative means for said student to meet the attendance/assessment requirement as necessary. The same means will be required of any student in the same situation in the same course.

Presentations, discussions, hands-on exercises, application of statistical methods using Stata

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