STR402A Methodology for Master Thesis

• Topics

  The purpose of this course is to develop the methodological skills that are required for writing a master's thesis. Students learn to formulate research questions, make critical use of literature and theory, as well as how to collect and analyse data through qualitative and quantitative methods. The course consists of a series of assignments where the purpose is to introduce the students to the different steps in the research process.

  Topics

  • Introduction to the research process
  • Choice of topic and formulating a research question
  • Literature review
  • Key constructs, variables and theories
  • Research models
  • Different designs and methods
  • Data collection
  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • The writing process
  • Ethical questions

• Learning outcome

  Knowledge - the candidate

  • is able to formulate a research question
  • has advanced knowledge about research designs in social science
  • has thorough knowledge of the requirements of a master thesis

  Skills - The candidate

  • can analyse and deal critically with various sources of information relevant to the master thesis
  • can use relevant research strategies in different methodological approaches
  • is familiar with analysing qualitative and quantitative data

  General competence - The candidate

  • can apply his/her knowledge and skills to carry out a master thesis project
  • can communicate a plan for his/her master thesis project
  • is able to evaluate ethical issues at each step of the research process

• Teaching

  The course consists of a combination of lectures, assignments and student presentations.

  Due to the corona situation, the lectures will be digital (videos and zoom-sessions) autumn 2020. The student presentations will be on zoom. 

• Credit reduction due to overlap

  STR402A is the equivalent to STR405 and students will not get credit for both courses.

• Requirements for course approval

  The students need approval of all course requirements (assignments and presentation in groups of 2-3 students) to hand in the project description (term-paper) and to take the written exam.

• Assessment

  Project description (60%). The project description has to be conducted in groups of 2-3 students.

  Exam - Four (4) hour individual home exam (40%). (The change is due to the corona situation and applies to autumn 2020).

  Retaking of the project description and exam:

  Project description: students wishing to submit a new project description must submit new course assignments.

  Exam: students can retake the exam without a new course approval. Course approval in STR405 applies to retake of the exam.

   

  Language:

  The exam text is given in Norwegian, and the students may answer in Norwegian or English in the spring semester

  The exam text is given in English, and the students may answer in Norwegian or English in the autumn semester

  The project description (term-paper) has to be written in English in the autumn semester. 

• Grading Scale

  A - F

• Literature

  Saunders, M., Thornhill, P., and Lewis, A (2016). Research Methods for Business Students, 7th ed. Pearson: UK.