ÖS0006, Methods in social sciences, 7.5 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: Ordföranden för programnämnden för utbildning inom skog (PN-S), 2024-11-19
Valid from : Autumn semester 2025 (2025-09-01)

Level

First cycle (GXX)

Subject

Other social studies

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

English

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The overall aim of the course is to provide basic knowledge of methodological aspects of projects and research in the social sciences, with a special focus on both inductive and deductive approaches. The methodological insight constitutes both competences to make methodological choices, conduct studies, evaluate research and research ethics and take the role of a constructive dialogue partner in multidisciplinary problem areas linked to social science issues, especially from a sustainability perspective.

After completing the course, students should be able to:

• explain the foundations of different research approaches,
• explain and discuss limitations of common approaches, including limitations of qualitative and quantitative methods for collecting and analysing data,
• analyse and discuss a research plan with a focus on methodological description, and
• discuss and interpret the impact of methodological choices on research results.

Content

The course begins with a review of various philosophical foundations that influence the choice of approaches in a research project and is followed by a review of common methods for collecting, analysing, presenting and quality assuring data in different approaches.

The course includes the following themes

• the role and responsibilities of a researcher,
• parts and presentation of academic studies (‘logical fit’ and rhetoric),
• relevance and the role of theory in research projects,
• methods for collecting data in different research approaches (e.g., interviews, focus groups, questionnaires, archival documents and experiments), and
• different methods for analysing data (e.g. content analysis, discourse analysis, regression analysis, factor analysis and meta-analysis).

Implementation

The course is based on literature studies, discussion seminars, and skills training. The course is skill-oriented, and aims to develop method-related project management insight.

The course focuses on the following general competencies:

• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Scientific methods
• Written communication

The following sections are mandatory:

The course contains mandatory elements in the form of seminars and workshops

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Approved submissions and completed mandatory sections.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Forest Economics

Supplementary information

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Reflections	2.5	0001
Course work	5.0	0002

The Course Replaces

FÖ0470

Other Information

SLU is environmentally certified according to ISO 14001. Many of our courses address knowledge and skills that contribute positively to the environment. To further strengthen this, we have specific environmental goals for education. Students are welcome to suggest measures in the course design and implementation that lead to environmental improvements. For more information, see SLU’s website, www.slu.se. SLU is also a PRME-certified university, Principles for Responsible Management Education (http://www.unprme.org/).