MIED2010 – Research Methods I
Course description
Course content
This course introduces you to a set of methodological issues and techniques that are essential for empirical research in the social sciences in general, and the two specialization areas of the programme more in particular.
The themes of this introductory course are:
introduction to philosophy of social science?
introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods?
A central aim of the course is to provide students with valid tools for critically evaluating empirical research and carefully developing their own research designs.
Learning outcome
Upon successful completion of the course you will:
Knowledge
- have acquired insight in relevant research traditions and epistemologies
- have achieved a deeper understanding of research as a scientific activity
- be able to identify and discuss the challenges and dilemmas involved in applying methods in empirical contexts
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Skills
- have command over a broad spectrum of perspectives within different research traditions (quantitative/qualitative/mixed-methods)
- be able to apply a critical perspective with respect to how various methods are used in research
- be able to criticize and give feedback to the work of fellow students in a respectful, reflected and constructive manner
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General Competence
- have developed an understanding of various elements of the scientific process, including the relation between theory and empirical evidence and between concepts and measures
- have developed scientific curiosity and academic ways of thinking and reasoning
Admission to the course
This course is primarily for exchange students at Bachelor level.
Depending on the number of regular programme students registered for MIED4100, there are maximum 10 places for exchange students.
The course is coordinated with the MIED4010 module in the Master in Education programme and accepted exchange students will have their lectures and seminars together with the master students.
Only students who have been admitted to this course may attend the lectures, seminars and examinations.
Students at UiO must apply for courses in Studentweb.
International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Students are required to have passed at least one introductory method course at the Bachelor level.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with MIED4010 – Research Methods I.
Teaching
The course consists of lectures and seminars.
Compulsory components:
There is a mandatory 80% attendance requirement for this course. ?
Two group work assignments (one using quantitative methods and one using qualitative methods) are mandatory. Requirements and deadlines/schedules for presentations will be announced during the course.??
All the coursework is taking place at the University of Oslo Blindern campus.
Access to teaching
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
The exam consists of a 4-hour school exam.
You must have submitted and passed both of the group projects and completed the attendance requirements for this course prior to taking the final school examination.?
Students that do not complete the compulsory components will not be allowed to take the school exam.?
Examination support material
All printed and handwritten examination support material are allowed.?Bringing a calculator is not permitted. There will be a built-in calculator in Inspera.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Two examiners will evaluate the exam.
Resit an examination
- If you fail the exam you have the opportunity to re-sit the exam during the same semester.
- If you are ill?during the exam period?or have valid absence from the exam, you are allowed to re-sit the exam within the same semester.
- If you wish to retake the exam in order to improve the grade, you may do so during the next offering of the course. You have the opportunity to retake the exam without retaking the compulsory components unless there are changes to the requirements in the course in the semester that you register for retake.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.