Elective course: Research Methods and Writing

E2024

Computer Science / Digital Transformation

Course

English

Read about the Master Programme and find the Study Regulations at ruc.dk

You register for activities through stads selvbetjening during the announced registration period, which you can see on the Study administration homepage.

When registering for courses, please be aware of the potential conflicts and overlaps between course and exam time and dates. The planning of course activities at Roskilde University is based on the recommended study programmes, which should not overlap. However, if you choose optional courses and/or study plans that goes beyond the recommended study programmes, an overlap of lectures or exam dates may occur depending on which courses you choose.

5

Raluca Alexandra Stana (raluca@ruc.dk)

Henrik Bulskov (bulskov@ruc.dk)

IMT Registration & Exams (imt-exams@ruc.dk)

U60595

The purpose of elective courses is to give the student opportunitities to specialize within a specific subject area, where the student acquires knowledge, skills and competences in order to translate theories, methods and solutions ideas into their own practice.

Every successful research endeavor begins with a sense of curiosity about the world around us. But the question arises: how does one pinpoint that pivotal inquiry worth a semester's pursuit in exploration and analysis? This course is designed to help you navigate through the nuances of qualitative research methods, empowering you with the skills to identify, explore, and endeavor to answer such important research questions.

An important facet of this course is the development of analytical strategies pertinent to qualitative data, fostering skills in efficient comprehension of scientific literature and the formulation of scientific arguments. Through this exploration of qualitative research methods, students will be equipped with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to embark on their research journeys with confidence and academic integrity.

Qualitative research, with its many types of motivations and objectives, demands a thoughtful consideration of the domain of study, whether it be probing into a specific field, testing theoretical frameworks, or addressing organizational challenges. Integral to this process is the positioning of one's research within the broader academic discourse, articulating its significance to existing literature, and delineating its unique contributions.

This course delves deep into qualitative research traditions and methodologies. We will explore a spectrum from traditional literature reviews and qualitative studies to theoretical explorations. A critical component of our discussions will focus on how to critically assess and select the methodology that best aligns with your research goals, and the implications of these choices on your study.

Central to qualitative research is the art of data collection and analysis, and as such, we will examine a variety of data gathering and analysis techniques and strategies. Furthermore, we will scrutinize evaluation techniques essential for maintaining scientific rigor, such as ensuring validity and reliability, recognizing and mitigating bias, and the role of triangulation. Additionally, how do we best discuss our findings in the broader context of academic discourse, and how do we identify and articulate our research contributions?

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

• Describe and explain the different research methodologies and methods
• Discuss and critically reflect upon the strengths and weaknesses of different methods
• Describe, analyse, discuss and critically reflect upon different data gathering techniques
• Demonstrate knowledge of ensuring scientific rigor
• Identify and apply relevant data analyses techniques.

A mixture of literature addressing the various topics in the course. Please consult Moodle for the final literature list.

  Study effort: The course's 5 ECTS correspond to a total of 135 hours workload with:

• 40 hours lectures and exercises,

• 70 hours of preparation over a 10 week course period, and

• 25 hours for the exam and preparation before the course period.

Learning activities: The teaching is designed as a workshop, combining classic lectures and exercises.

Evaluation form to be filled out (anonymously) plus open discussion on the last course day.

Feedback will be continuously collected during the semester.

After completing this course, students will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge within a defined subject area.

• demonstrate an overall overview and understanding of the general principles behind the field’s theory, methods and technological solutions.

• choose and apply appropriate methods and techniques relevant to the field to analyse, design and implement solutions

• work with it-related problems within their field, both individually and in groups.

• be proficient in new approaches within the subject area in a critical and systematic way and thereby independently take responsibility for their own professional development.

Take-home assignment written in a group

Permitted group size: 2-6 students.

Assignments written by a group must be individualised.

The character limits of the assignment:
For 2 students: maximum36,000 characters, including spaces.
For 3 students: maximum42,000 characters, including spaces.
For 4 students: maximum48,000 characters, including spaces.
For 5 students: maximum52,800 characters, including spaces.
For 6 students: maximum55,200 characters, including spaces.
The character limits include the cover, table of contents, bibliography, figures and other illustrations, but exclude any appendices.

The students start writing the take-home assignment during the course. The duration is 10 weeks and may include public holidays. The submission deadline will be announced on study.ruc.dk.

Assessment: 7-point grading scale

Samme som ordinær eksamen / same form as ordinary exam

The same form as ordinary exam

The written exam will be assessed based on the extent to which the student is able to fulfil the following criteria

• Describe and explain the different research methodologies and methods
• Discuss and critically reflect upon the strengths and weaknesses of different methods
• Describe, analyse, discuss and critically reflect upon different data gathering techniques
• Demonstrate knowledge of ensuring scientific rigor
• Identify and apply relevant data analyses techniques

and whether the written exam meets all the formal requirements.