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 to work on existing (secondary) data and start conceptualizing their research project based on these data. The next semester will be dedicated to the realization of the research projects chosen and designed by students.

The overall topic of the research lab is the quantitative analysis of research questions relevant to social and health policy. The first part of the course will be concerned with theoretical and methodological foundations of conducting a research project in this area and offering hands-on instruction on how to:

• find a research topic
• develop a specific research question
• systematically review relevant literature
• critically appraise relevant literature, and replicate published results when applicable
• assess the quality of secondary data for the purpose of the planned project
• plan an empirical analysis (research design)

In the following summer term, the acquired theoretical and methodological knowledge will be applied to the conduction of 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
• Critical appraise relevant literature, and replicate published results if applicable
• Choose a methodological approach that is appropriate for the research question
• Plan and conduct a quantitative analysis, possibly mixed with qualitative methods
• 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
• Ability to independently organize and schedule a project
• Effective communication of research objectives

It is mandatory to attend the first lecture unless otherwise explicitly informed by e-mail. A minimum of 75% attendance of contact hours is required. In case online units are scheduled, the same attendance requirements apply.

Successful completion of:

• "Grundlagen der Sozioökonomie"

We very strongly recommend the successful completion of:

• "Planung & Durchführung empirischer Studien I"
• at least one "Angewandte sozioökonomische Theorien & Methoden" course

E-Mail for office hours.