- Code
- EMS 305
- Name
- Research Methods and Academic Writing
- Semester
- 5
- Lecture hours
- 3.00
- Seminar hours
- 1.00
- Laborator hours
- 0.00
- Credits
- 3.50
- ECTS
- 5.00
- Description
-
The overarching aim of this course is to acquire a basic knowledge of scientific paradigms and research methods. Further, the aim is to develop the student’s ability to first, conduct and in written form report a scientific study in a systematic and transparent manner, and second, to evaluate scientific reports according to relevant methodological principles related to selected paradigms. The course begins with a discussion on the process of knowledge creation, with an emphasis on the production of scientific knowledge. Important building blocks in this process are development of frames of reference, scientific ideals rooted in different traditions, problem formulation, comprehensive overviews of scientific approaches and methods for data collection and analysis. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of a well though-out choice of topic, and a careful specification of the problem statement ending with an explicit research question that is closely related to the research design. Further, the possibilities and limitations of quantitative and qualitative methods are discussed as well as more in-depth descriptions of strengths and weaknesses of variations of these methods. The course also includes activities that develop the student’s ability to find information in scientific databases, to use different types of information in a critical and an appropriate manner, and to evaluate this information and the sources according to relevant scientific criteria. How to perform a thorough literature review consistent with scientific principles and how to make priorities in the flow of available information are included. The last part of the course is focused on the academic writing process for the student’s bachelor thesis. Fundamental aspects as time planning and how to make dispositions are of course included, but also questions related to the writing process as such in order to develop the manuscript through pre-writing activities, drafting, feedback, revision and the wrap-up of the final thesis.
- Objectives
-
Upon the completion of the course, the student will be able to: • Understand the different characteristics of qualitative and quantitative methods • Explain the formulation of a particular problem (research question), scientific strategies and methodological choices, and analyze an empirical and theoretical material • Understand how to examine a report from different perspectives and independently conduct a scientific study • Learn how to write academically scientific reports on a specific field of study • Explore different databases and find out about resources.
- Java
- Tema
- 1
- Introduction to Research Methodology I: Epistemology & Ontology (Concept of Construct); Objectives of Research; Research Characteristics (Systematic, Valid, Verifiable, Empirical, Critical). Thomas, C. G. (2021). Research Methodology and Scientific Writing, 2nd Edition, Springer Cham, pages 1-32
- 2
- Introduction to Research Methodology II: Research Methods and Methodology (Qualitative, Quantitative); Research Approaches (Positivism, Interpretive, Feminism); and Types of Research Thomas, C. G. (2021). Research Methodology and Scientific Writing, 2nd Edition, Springer Cham, pages 33-48
- 3
- Overview of Research Design: Exploratory studies; Descriptive studies; Analytical studies; Experimental studies; Online Research Thomas, C. G. (2021). Research Methodology and Scientific Writing, 2nd Edition, Springer Cham, pages 49-63
- 4
- Systematic Review of Literature: Identifying a research methodology that synthesizes existing literature on a specific question or topic; The systematic and transparent process of searching, identifying, selecting, appraising, and analyzing relevant studies or papers; Developing a systematic review to provide a comprehensive and unbiased overview of the evidence. Thomas, C. G. (2021). Research Methodology and Scientific Writing, 2nd Edition, Springer Cham, pages 263-220
- 5
- Theoretical Framework and Critical Evaluation of Research Articles: Thesis writing Book Review/Thesis Review Thomas, C. G. (2021). Research Methodology and Scientific Writing, 2nd Edition, Springer Cham, pages 221-274
- 6
- Plagiarism and Research: Plagiarism by definition; Plagiarism as a disciplinary offence; Why plagiarism is important to be considered while conducting research; How does plagiarism affect research? Thomas, C. G. (2021). Research Methodology and Scientific Writing, 2nd Edition, Springer Cham, pages 337-360
- 7
- Method of Data Collection, Presentation and Descriptive Analysis of Data I: Collection of Primary Data; Observation Method; Personal Interview; Telephonic Interview; Mail Survey; Collection of Data through questionnaire; Case study method. Thomas, C. G. (2021). Research Methodology and Scientific Writing, 2nd Edition, Springer Cham, pages 135-167
- 8
- Midterm
- 9
- Method of Data Collection, Presentation and Descriptive Analysis of Data II: Collection of secondary data; Data editing and Data grouping; Content Analysis; Descriptive Statistics Thomas, C. G. (2021). Research Methodology and Scientific Writing, 2nd Edition, Springer Cham, pages 275-301
- 10
- Testing of Hypothesis: Parametric & Non-Parametric test using Excel and SPSS Factor Analysis and Cluster Analysis Correlation and Regression Analysis Thomas, C. G. (2021). Research Methodology and Scientific Writing, 2nd Edition, Springer Cham, pages 49-63
- 11
- Style, Bibliography, Citations: The citation style you choose will largely be dictated by the discipline in which you're writing, and for most assignments your instructor will assign a style to you. However, as you progress through your academic career, you may find more flexibility in choosing a style that works for you. It's always best to check with your instructor and colleagues as to what style is appropriate. Getting Started: How to use this guide · APA (American Psychological Association) Thomas, C. G. (2021). Research Methodology and Scientific Writing, 2nd Edition, Springer Cham, pages 361-400
- 12
- Abstract: What does abstract mean? How do I write an abstract? What is the purpose of an abstract? Thomas, C. G. (2021). Research Methodology and Scientific Writing, 2nd Edition, Springer Cham, pages 303-318
- 13
- Review: Student Research Notes and Thesis Outline-1. Reviews of previous literature in a thesis or research paper are not summaries of every article you have read, but rather an exposition of the existing knowledge and reasoning which led you to believe that what you did was worth doing in the way that you did it, written so as to convince the reader of these things. Writing about the literature is not just part of “what you have to do”, it is a valuable way to learn the literature, to get it “off the page and into your head”. And that is essential if you are to be able to think critically about your field. Thomas, C. G. (2021). Research Methodology and Scientific Writing, 2nd Edition, Springer Cham, pages 401-431
- 14
- Thesis Writing Tips: Make a Schedule; Just Start Writing; The First Draft is Not the Final Draft; Be Flexible; Write the Introductions Last; Move Around; Get Feedback Early; Take Care of Yourself. Thomas, C. G. (2021). Research Methodology and Scientific Writing, 2nd Edition, Springer Cham, pages 433-453
- 15
- Thesis Formatting: Just as the University provides regulations which govern the assessment of a thesis, there are other elements to consider. Read your School handbook closely to check for any specifications which you are required to follow. Here are just some of the things to consider: Which font type, font size and line spacing, margin widths, to apply. Page numbering specifications. The order of the ‘front matter’ – the pages which must be included before your main content begins, e.g. Abstract, Acknowledgements, Table of contents, etc. Is it to be bound? What margins should you use? Are there specific chapters that must be included? Word limit: maximum and minimum. Does it include the words in your abstract, tables, reference list and appendices? Thomas, C. G. (2021). Research Methodology and Scientific Writing, 2nd Edition, Springer Cham, pages 455-495
- 16
- Final Exam
- 1
- Describe the more advanced features of the main scientific ideals, and explain how different values and perspectives influence the process of knowledge creation
- 2
- Describe the different characteristics of qualitative and quantitative methods and evaluate the suitability of different methods to solve different types of research questions
- 3
- Search, evaluate and use different types of information on an advanced level
- 4
- Argue for the formulation of a particular problem (research question), scientific strategies and methodological choices, and analyze an empirical and theoretical material
- 5
- Critically examine a report from different perspectives in cooperation with other students, independently conduct a scientific study
- 6
- Write academically valid reports on scientific studies
- 7
- Have a good technical precision
- 8
- Show reflections and developments
- 9
- Create linkages between concepts and transitions in discussions.
- Quantity Percentage Total percent
- Midterms
- 1 30% 30%
- Quizzes
- 0 0% 0%
- Projects
- 1 20% 20%
- Term projects
- 0 0% 0%
- Laboratories
- 0 0% 0%
- Class participation
- 1 10% 10%
- Total term evaluation percent
- 60%
- Final exam percent
- 40%
- Total percent
- 100%
- Quantity Duration (hours) Total (hours)
- Course duration (including exam weeks)
- 16 4 64
- Off class study hours
- 14 2 28
- Duties
- 1 15 15
- Midterms
- 1 8 8
- Final exam
- 1 10 10
- Other
- 0 0 0
- Total workLoad
- 125
- Total workload / 25 (hours)
- 5.00
- ECTS
- 5.00