Course syllabus

Forskningsmetodik
Research Methodology

EXTP75, 5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2015/16
Decided by: Education Board D
Date of Decision: 2015-04-16

General Information

Compulsory for: MKAT1
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• Account for basic philosophy of science
• Explain and develop relevant research methodology to solve a scientific
  problem
• Evaluate different tools for literature search

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• Use tools for literature search
• Plan a scientific work based on applicable theories
• Use adequate presentation tools for conveyance of scientific information

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• Compile, evaluate and discuss choice of materials and analytical methods
  to solve a given problem
• Review, evaluate and discuss the reliability of source materials and analyses
  critically

Contents

The course consists of four subparts:

• Library science. In this part, different tools and methods for literature
  search are studied.
• Philosophy of Science. This part treats basic philosophy of science.
  Different concepts such as realism, idealism, empiricism and positivism are
  treated.
• Research methodology. The part treats both quantitative and qualitative
  methods. Interview technique and participating observation techniques are
  presented and discussed.
• Argumentation theory. Skills to identify and analyse sustainable and
  unsustainable arguments in e g text material are developed within this
  part. Focus is on various types of arguments, e g deductive and inductive

Examination details

Grading scale: UV
Assessment: Examination takes place through passed written assignments during the course.

Admission

The number of participants is limited to: No
Selection: The course is only available for students at the Master's program in Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation.

Reading list

• Flowerdew R. and Martin D.: Methods in Human Geography, A guide for students doing a research project. Taylor and Francis, 2013, ISBN: 9781317873372.

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Martin Berggren, martin.berggren@nateko.lu.se
Course homepage: http://www.nateko.lu.se/extp75
Further information: The course is a distance course and is distributed on the Internet. It is flexible designed which facilitate for the student to carry out the course on full-, half-,or part-time.