MSB207 Quantitative Research Methods

Contents and structure

The course offers a comprehensive overview of quantitative research methods and explains the contexts in which different approaches are appropriately applied, and how different types of knowledge and questions might be addressed via different quantitative methods. Students will learn how to come up with a research idea, develop research question(s) and hypotheses, conduct literature review, choose an appropriate research design and data collection strategy, undertake statistical analysis, and disseminate research results. The course is intended to provide thorough knowledge and understanding about conducting a quantitative research project and gaining necessary knowledge and practical skills to write the Masters thesis. Students are expected to take part extensively in the sessions reading academic articles, discussions, attending lab sessions, seminars and presentations.

Main objective

• To provide students with a good understanding of the academic and practical key quantitative research methods.
• To equip students with the practical tools and skills to conduct and present the quantitative research results.
• To learn usage of software tools such as SPSS and AMOS for practical applications.

The course covers the following topics:

• Planning the research study - from research ideas to hypothesis formulation
• The nature of quantitative research
• Quantitative research, study designs and methods
• Data collection methods in quantitative research
• Measurement techniques, questionnaire design
• Sampling issues in quantitative research
• Ethics in social research
• Research validity and reliability in quantitative research
• Analysis and interpretation of quantitative data

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

On completion of the course, the students should gain knowledge of

• the main principles of quantitative research design; relevant methods of quantitative data collection and interpretation of the analysis of the research results.
• quantitative statistical analysis
• understanding and writing academic articles

Skills

Upon completion of the course, the student can:

• justify appropriate research designs for quantitative research projects.
• conduct data collection using the appropriate techniques and instruments.
• conduct analysis using statistical methods.
• interpret output from statistical analysis.

General Competence

Upon completion of the course, the student can:

• read, assess and use knowledge published in scientific literature.
• participate in large-scale research projects.
• participate in consultancy work in the areas like marketing strategies and consumer choice, when use of quantitative methods is a vital element.
• communicate relevant topics and research results to both academics and practitioners.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Teaching methods

The teaching format consists of a combination of lectures, seminars and practice in datalab. Problem-solving, discussions of articles and in-class exercises, application of analytical software will be an important part of the course. Students are expected to read the recommended articles, present and discuss during the seminars. Self-study, participation in class, group work and seminars are important elements of the course.

Compulsory learning activities

The arbeidskrav consists of one written assignment, and one oral presentation, both made in groups of two persons. The arbeidskrav must be passed in order to appear in the final exam. Any request to submit the assignment individually must be approved by the course teacher. Both submission and presentation should be in english.

Assessment

Exam in two parts:

1. Individual school examination, 4 hours (50% of the final assessment).
2. One term paper, (50% of the final assessment). The term paper should be written in a group of two. The course instructor may make exceptions.

Students must write their term paper and examination in english.

Grading scale is A-F where F is fail.

Examination support material

Written exam:

Approved online English - Norwegian dictionary and simple calculator can be used.

Term paper: All study aids are allowed.

More about examination support material

Course reductions

• MSB201 - Vitenskapeleg forskningsmetode - Reduction: 10 studypoints