Research Design
Postgraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 10
- Teaching semesters
- Spring
- Course code
- GOV332
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- Norwegian, with course literature in English.
- Resources
- Schedule
- Reading list
Course description
Objectives and Content
The purpose is to provide practical experience in the development of a research proposal. The course focuses on the relation between problem identification, developing theoretical perspectives, methodological approach and data discussion.
The course provides the student with training in writing research proposals:
- formulating research questions,
- introducing relevant theory and reviewing literature,
- identifying sources of data and methods of data gathering, and
- discussing possibilities for generalization.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
The student has advanced knowledge of:
- Relevant theories and perspectives in a field of research
- Basic principles for scientific design
Skills
The student can:
- develop a research proposal which later forms the basis for working with the master thesis
- formulate and discuss a research problem, review literature, and make decisions regarding the choice of theories and methodology that are relevant to the research theme.
General competence
The student :
- can identify relevant data sources and specify data collection methods
- has developed skills to critically review data sources, scientific argumentation, and use of scientific references
- has developed skills to work collectively on a research project.
ECTS Credits
Level of Study
Semester of Instruction
Required Previous Knowledge
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Access to the Course
Teaching and learning methods
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Attendance of minimum 60% of group work sessions. Responding to discussion topics related to course literature on MittUiB. Approved draft paper and mandatory attendance at seminars.
Approved compulsory requirements are valid in the current and the following two semesters. The compulsory assignments and attendance must be completed to take the exam.
Forms of Assessment
Submission of paper, 5000 words (+/- 10 %, excluding the title page, table of contents, references, tables, and all attachments).
The exam will be given in the language in which the course is taught.
The exam answer can be submitted in Norwegian, Swedish or Danish. It is also possible to submit in English.
Grading Scale
Assessment Semester
Assessment in teaching semester.
A retake exam is arranged for students with valid absence according to § 5-5 in the UiB regulations.
If there is a retake exam, this will be available for students with the follow results/absences:
- Medical certificate/valid absence
- Interruption during the exam
- Fail/failed
If you have the right to take a retake exam and a retake exam is arranged for students with valid absences, you can sign up yourself in Studentweb after 1. August