This course aims to familiarize students with the scientific method and selected research methods. (see units for content)

After completing this course, students will understand the basics of

- structuring a research project incl. identifying and critically evaluating research gaps, research questions, and hypotheses

- extracting relevant information from literature incl. distinguishing different types of literature analyses

- critically evaluating research with regard to errors, biases, and ethical implications

- selected research methods, e.g. experiments

- exploratory data analysis

- writing up their own research

The rules on the attendance of a Continuous Assessment Course (PI) apply. See the dedicated page on the WU portal for further information.

Each course session will consist of a lecture introducing a specific topic and/or method and an exercise and discussion part. The lecture will be made available online prior to the session. Exercises and discussion are held mainly in group settings.

The final grade will be composed of:

- (25%) an assignment on the basics of the research process

- (25%) an assignment on research quality

- (25%) an assignment on causal inference, experiments and game theory

- (25%) an assignment on design science and exploratory data analysis / KDD