BRM 1 premaster

This course provides a general introduction to behavioral and social research methods. We examine the application, strengths and major criticisms of methodologies drawn from both the qualitative and quantitative traditions. The course permits an understanding of the various decisions and steps involved in designing and executing a research methodology, including basic data analysis, and a critically informed assessment of published empirical research.

Three assignments are included in the course that aid the students in performing research. These assignments cover Qualitative Interviews, (Lab) Experiments, and (Online) Surveys (including scale construction). All assignments are graded by means of a report written in groups of approximately 3-4 students. In the course we also discuss and practice the generation of research ideas, and writing of research proposals and reports.

The course has a strong focus on learning by doing. Therefore we have both lectures in which new theories are explained and workshops in which those theories are applied. In this way, students learn all the skills needed to perform research projects in follow-up courses.

After finishing this course, students will be able to:

• describe the basic terminology and principles of qualitative and quantitative research methods in behavioral and social science research.

• apply this knowledge to distinguish various aspects of research designs that address different types of questions and hypotheses.

• apply basic qualitative and quantitative research methods, and design basic research in small-scale projects.

• assess how the analysis of data derives from the statement of a research question or hypothesis.

• apply basic statistical techniques to analyze data.

• evaluate the appropriateness of conclusions derived from social scientific research (including their own).

• report both qualitative and quantitative social scientific research.

You must meet the following requirements

• Enrolled for one of the following degree programmes
• Pre-master program Human-Technology Interaction
• Pre-master program Innovation Sciences
• Completed none of the course modules listed below
• Behavioral Research Methods 1: dr (0HV00)