SOW-SCS121
Advanced Research Methods
Course infoSchedule
Course moduleSOW-SCS121
Credits (ECTS)6
Category-
Language of instructionEnglish
Offered byRadboud University; Faculty of Social Sciences; Social and Cultural Sciences;
Lecturer(s)
Lecturer
dr. S.H. Bolt
Other course modules lecturer
Contactperson for the course
dr. L.A.C.M. van Kempen
Other course modules lecturer
Examiner
dr. L.A.C.M. van Kempen
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
dr. L.A.C.M. van Kempen
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
dr. J.G. Marks
Other course modules lecturer
Academic year2017
Period
PER1-PER2  (04/09/2017 to 04/02/2018)
Starting block
PER1
Course mode
full-time
Remarks-
Registration using OSIRISYes
Course open to students from other facultiesNo
Pre-registrationNo
Waiting listNo
Placement procedure-
Aims
After the course you will be able to

1. critically evaluate, using appropriate quality criteria, different methodological designs (qualitative/quantitative/mixed) of empirical papers on issues of solidarity, and offer meaningful suggestions for adaptation of the designs to counter the observed flaws.
2. understand the key arguments in current methodological debates surrounding issues of solidarity, and are able to position yourself in these debates based on (motivated) identification with one or more of these key arguments.  
3. independently select specific (combinations of) data collection techniques that fit the research question at hand, whether of an exploratory or confirmatory nature, and to design appropriate research instruments for applying this set of techniques in the field.
4. conduct, without supervision, basic analyses to the data obtained from the methods/techniques practiced in the course, and carry out more advanced types of analyses under expert guidance.
5. clearly document and explain (both orally and in writing) the procedures applied in the stages of data collection and data analysis, in a terminology that is consistent with the literature discussed in the course. 
Content
The course offers an analytical background to, and ‘hands-on’ experience with, a range of methodologies that are essential in field research on solidarity issues within anthropology and development studies. The following commonly used data collection methods in the field are covered in the first part of the course at intermediate level: 1) interview, 2) survey, and 3) observational and participatory methods. In the second part of the course, three tracks are offered, which work from intermediate to advanced level application. These tracks cover 1) ethnographic field research, 2) social network analysis, and 3) policy analysis methodology, respectively. By and large, these tracks correspond to the following ‘observable’ features of solidarity arrangements; a) ritual/role, b) social exchange, and c) policy strategy, which are relevant under different theoretical approaches to solidarity, whether as ideology, politics, or as social practice.

During the course you build a portfolio of assignments, which serves as preparation for the development of a full methodological proposal for your own field research, if applicable. In total, nine assignments will be offered; three during the first part of the course and six in the tracks. Each track features two assignments; one at intermediate level and one requiring advanced skills. These can consist, for example, in critically reviewing a study that applies the methodology at hand, or one having a more ‘learning-by doing’ character, such as designing a tool for field use or analyzing material collected in the field by other scholars. The tracks take you through the entire empirical cycle of a given methodology, iterating from design via data collection to analysis. 

A full portfolio consists of five submitted assignments, which you are free to choose from the total set of nine. To assist in this ‘tailoring’ of the course to your own capabilities and needs, an introductory session is organized before the Autumn Break, which serves as orientation on the tracks. After having completed the tracks and your assignment portfolio, the focus turns to the write-up of the methodological proposal or, if field research is not intended, a position paper. At the end of the course, Q&A sessions are scheduled to advice on pending issues pertaining to this proposal or paper.
 
Additional comments
For specific assignments lecturers may require compulsory attendance of lectures or tutorials in order to be able to submit these. Such conditions will be stipulated in the course guide. Please note that some classes are programmed in parallel form, such that participation in one assignment may preclude participation in another.

Levels
Master; compulsory course in the ‘Changing Societies’ track.

Test information
Your assignment portfolio is graded and counts for 50% of the final course grade. The remaining 50% is made up of the grade for a methodological proposal or position paper. Depending on your intention to carry out field research yourself, you either choose to write a methodological proposal or, alternatively, a position paper, in which you define and defend your position in a methodological debate on a topic of your own interest. Note that, unlike course participants from the Master in Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies, you are not bound to the solidarity theme, but can address any topic related to social change. Further instructions on assignments, methodological proposal, and position paper, as well as the respective assessment criteria, will be made available on Blackboard at the start of the course.

Prerequisites
Bachelor, basic level of knowledge on either quantitative or qualitative social research methodology. Proficiency in Atlas-TI and SPSS is recommended.

Required materials
Literature
Blackboard: Selected articles and book chapters

Instructional modes
(Computer) practicals
Attendance MandatoryYes

Lecture
Attendance MandatoryYes

General
General:
The course consists of a combination of lectures, tutorials, and computer practicals. Exact mix of these depends on students’ own election of assignments for submission.

Tutorials
Attendance MandatoryYes

Tests
assignment portfolio, paper
Test weight1
OpportunitiesBlock PER2, Block PER3