Quantitative Research (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Content scheduling

Lectures:

Lecture 1: Wed 22.01.2025 at 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom
Lecture 2: Wed 05.02.2025 at 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom
Lecture 3: Wed 19.02.2025 at 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom
Lecture 4: Wed 05.03.2025 at 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom
Exam: Wed 19.03.2025 at 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom

Objective

Purpose of the course
The aim of the course is to understand the meaning of quantitative research and learn to use quantitative research methods in working life development and research.

Competences
Learning and information management
Ethical competence

Subject specific competences

Learning outcomes
You will acquire the knowledge and understanding of quantitative research methods and methodology. You will understands the strengths and the weaknesses of quantitative research. You will be able to conduct a quantitative research and assess it as well as its applicability to your own field of research and development work. You can identify the applications of well-reasoned methods pertaining to quantitative data for solving different types of research questions.

Content

The focus of the course will be on the following aspects:
Epistemological grounds of quantitative research
Definition of the research topic, formulation of the research questions
Process of quantitative research
Methods of data collection
Main analysis methods for Master's thesis
Reliability of quantitative research
Ethics in quantitative research

To understand the above the following course contents will be included in the course:

Research plan,
Hypotheses testing,
Populations and samples,
Normality assumption of data,
Descriptive statistics,
Correlational analysis,
Regression analysis (simple, linear),
T-tests and ANOVA,
Validity and reliability of data, assumptions of parametric data,
Logistic regression and non-linear regression,
Explorative Factor analysis,
Non-parametric tests,
Revisiting assumptions of parametric data (Multi-collinearity, Autocorrelation and Heteroscedasticity)

Location and time

Remote lectures in Zoom

Wed 22.01.2025 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom
Wed 05.02.2025 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom
Wed 19.02.2025 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom
Wed 05.03.2025 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom
Wed 19.03.2025 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom (Exam)

Materials

Relevant journals and articles with quantitative research methods and resources assigned by the teacher.

Teaching methods

Lectures
Video material
Literature review and assignments
Guidance and feedback

Employer connections

The course supports the process of thesis writing and the related cooperation with the commissioner.

Exam schedules

Wed 19.03.2025 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom (Exam)
If necessary, a re-exam in two weeks.

International connections

The course is conducted in English and international research publications and articles will be used.

Completion alternatives

Accreditation (replacement and inclusion)
Recognition of informal learning
Studification

Further instructions can be found in the Degree Regulations and in the degree study guide.

Student workload

Allocation of time on various tasks and student work load in total 135h
Lectures 8h
Independent familiarization with own thesis data 37h
Independent review assignments 80h
Preparing for the exam 10h

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Sufficient 1
You demonstrate an understanding of the epistemological grounds of quantitative research as well as its strengths and weaknesses. You are able to recognise different quantitative materials and methods that are suited for the solution of different types of research assignments. You have the basic preparedness to carry out quantitative research. You perceive and implement how quantitative research is assessed.

Satisfactory 2
You demonstrate an understanding of the epistemological grounds of quantitative research as well as its strengths and weaknesses. You are able to recognise and select different quantitative materials and methods that are suited for the solution of different types of problem assignments. You have the basic preparedness to carry out quantitative research. You perceive and implement how quantitative research is assessed and apply the information to the research and development work related to your own field.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good 3
You demonstrate an understanding of the epistemological grounds of quantitative research as well as its strengths and weaknesses. You are able to select and justify your choice of quantitative material and methods that are suited to solving the research assignments of your thesis and problem assignments. You are well prepared to carry out quantitative research. You can assess quantitative research and perceive, and apply your knowledge and skills to the research and development work related to your own field.

Very good 4
You demonstrate an understanding of the epistemological grounds of quantitative research as well as its strengths and weaknesses. You are able to select and justify your choice of quantitative material and methods that are suited to solving the research assignments of your thesis and problem assignments. You are well prepared to carry out quantitative research. You can assess quantitative research and perceive, and apply your knowledge and skills to the research and development work related to your own field to a higher level; and draw suitable inferences.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent 5
You demonstrate an understanding of the epistemological grounds of quantitative research as well as its strengths and weaknesses. You are able to select and justify your choice of quantitative material and methods that are suited to solving the research assignments of your thesis and problem assignments. You are well prepared to carry out quantitative research. You can assess quantitative research and perceive, and apply your knowledge and skills to the research and development work related to your own field to an excellent level; and draw suitable inferences.

Qualifications

You must have a basic understanding of quantitative methods and their applications.

Further information

The assessment of the course is based on the following credits:
- active participation in lectures, exam and assignments (100%, 5 ECTS)

Grading scale 0-5 (exam, assignment)