SOW-SCS123
Advanced Research Methods A
Course infoSchedule
Course moduleSOW-SCS123
Credits (ECTS)3
CategoryMA (Master)
Language of instructionEnglish
Offered byRadboud University; Faculty of Social Sciences; Social and Cultural Sciences;
Lecturer(s)
Coordinator
dr. E.B.P. de Jong
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
dr. E.B.P. de Jong
Other course modules lecturer
Contactperson for the course
dr. E.B.P. de Jong
Other course modules lecturer
Examiner
dr. E.B.P. de Jong
Other course modules lecturer
Academic year2020
Period
PER2  (02/11/2020 to 24/01/2021)
Starting block
PER2
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/mixed methods) of empirical papers on issues of inequality, cohesion and cultural diversity, 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 inequality, cohesion and cultural diversity, and are able to position yourself in these debates based on (motivated) identification with one or more of these key arguments.  
3. independently conduct analyses (at intermediate level) to the data obtained from the methods/techniques practiced in the course.
 
Content
The course offers an analytical background to, and ‘hands-on’ experience with, a range of methodologies -both qualitative and mixed methods- that are relevant to studying inequality, cohesion and cultural diversity. The following commonly used data collection methods in the field are covered at intermediate level: 1) interview, 2) survey, 3) observational and participatory methods, 4) ethnographic field research, 5) social network analysis, and 6) policy analysis methodology. Within limits stipulated in the course guide, you can select your own track from the abovementioned options.    

During the course you build a portfolio of assignments; each track features an intermediate level assignment. This 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. 
Level

Presumed foreknowledge
Prerequisites
Bachelor, intermediate level of knowledge/experience with (qualitative) research methodology. No special proficiency in software is required.
 
Test information

Specifics

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

Required materials
Literature
Selected articles and book chapters made available through Brightspace

Instructional modes
(Computer) practicals
Attendance MandatoryYes

Lecture
Attendance MandatoryYes

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
Final assignment
Test weight1
Test typeAssignment
OpportunitiesBlock PER2, Block PER3