Research Method and Academic Writing D, 15 hp

Innehåll

The overarching aim of this course is to acquire a basic knowledge of scientific paradigms and research methods. Further, the aim is to develop the student’s ability to first, conduct and in written form report a scientific study in a systematic and transparent manner, and second, to evaluate scientific reports according to relevant methodological principles related to selected paradigms.

The course begins with a discussion on the process of knowledge creation, with an emphasis on the production of scientific knowledge. Important building blocks in this process are development of frames of reference, scientific ideals rooted in different traditions, problem formulation, comprehensive overviews of scientific approaches and methods for data collection and analysis. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of a well though-out choice of topic, problematization, and a careful specification of the problem statement ending with an explicit research question that is closely related to the research design. The general process characteristics of different research designs (mainly induction, deduction and abduction) are penetrated and connected to different types of research strategies. Further, the possibilities and limitations of quantitative and qualitative methods are discussed as well as more in-depth descriptions of strengths and weaknesses of variations of these methods. Methods for sampling and data collection are scrutinized, among other things based on the possibilities of accessing information.

The course also includes activities that develop the student’s ability to find information in scientific databases, to use different types of information in a critical and an appropriate manner, and to evaluate this information and the sources according to relevant scientific criteria. How to perform a thorough literature review consistent with scientific principles and how to make priorities in the flow of available information are included.

The last part of the course is focused on the academic writing process for the student’s master thesis. Fundamental aspects as time planning and how to make dispositions are of course included, but also questions related to the writing process as such in order to develop the manuscript through pre-writing activities, drafting, feedback, revision and the wrap-up of the final thesis. Different genres and styles of writing that harmonize with certain scientific paradigms are discussed as well as how models, tables, and figures can drive the writing process forward and help the students to utilize a presentation of their reasoning in an academically trustworthy and logical manner. This imply aspects such as having a good technical precision, showing well-grounded reflections and analytical developments by creating linkages between concepts and transitions in discussions that are easy for the reader to follow.

Förväntade studieresultat

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

• describe the more advanced features of the main scientific ideals, and explain how different values and perspectives influence the process of knowledge creation
• describe the different characteristics of qualitative and quantitative methods and evaluate the suitability of different methods to solve different types of research questions
• search, evaluate and use different types of information on an advanced level
• argue for the formulation of a particular problem (research question), scientific strategies and methodological choices, and analyze an empirical and theoretical material
• critically examine a report from different perspectives in cooperation with other students, independently conduct a scientific study
• write academically valid reports on scientific studies
• have a good technical precision
• show reflections and developments
• create linkages between concepts and transitions in discussions.

Behörighetskrav

Universitet/högskola: Företagsekonomi C, 15 högskolepoäng eller motsvarande i något av följande ämnen: ekonomisk historia, informatik, juridik, kostvetenskap, kulturgeografi, nationalekonomi, pedagogik, psykologi, sociologi, statistik eller statsvetenskap. Gymnasium: Engelska B. Svenska för grundläggande behörighet för högskolestudier (om kursen ges på svenska).

Undervisningens upplägg

Lectures, seminars and supervision are the cornerstones of the teaching method during this course. Attendance is obligatory for activities that are part of the examination. All teaching will be in English.

Examination

Examination will be based upon individual written and/or oral examination, and the writing of a paper. The Swedish testing method “dugga” may be used to examine parts of the course.

All examination will be in English.

Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, Vg, 75% or more),
Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more)
Fail (Underkänd, U, less than 50%).

In order to pass the course, the student must complete all parts of the examination i.e. reach 50% of the points of each part. To receive the grade pass with distinction, the student must reach at least 75% of the total points on the course.

In case of failure on seminar participation or individual and group assignments, compensating assignments must be completed in accordance with instructions given on each occasion.

Students who do not pass the written examination will be offered a re-examination opportunity within a month. Beyond that, additional opportunities to complete the written examination normally arise every academic year one-week prior to the start of the autumn term.

When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have another grading teacher. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of studies no later than two weeks before the next examination opportunity.

Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to all written assignments. (see instructions in the Thesis manual. Thesis writing in Business Administration.) Urkund records may be used for control.

Lectures are normally not obligatory. However attendance is expected because the lectures are designed to facilitate students towards achieving course specific learning objectives. In addition lectures often provide insightful explanations of, and can supplement and provide contrast to, the course litterateur and other relevant course materials.

Student who has passed an examination cannot redo the examination to get a higher grading.

Grades on the course are awarded when students have passed all examinations and compulsory course elements.

Academic credit transfer
Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.

Övriga föreskrifter

The course is included in Master Programs at Umeå School of Business and Economics. The course is also offered to exchange students within formal agreements.