IDR710 Philosophy of Science and Research Methods (Autumn 2025)

The course aims at developing knowledge about research designs and empirical analyses of organisational and social scientific research questions. Students will gain knowledge about the methodological assumptions of different research traditions as well as how to analyse empirical material. The goal of the course is to equip the students with tools to be able to plan, facilitate and carry out empirical studies based on different research methods.

The course includes the following four modules:

Module 1. Defining a research problem and designing the research project

Students will learn how to approach a research topic including selecting a research question, planning a research design and data collection strategy as well as the use of literature and theory in this process. This also reflects the need to gain a necessary understanding of the philosophical foundations of research before starting a project.

Module 2. Qualitative research designs

Students will learn about the uniqueness of different qualitative research approaches, and how, when and where can they be applied. Further topics such as research ethics (plagiarism) and data protection regulations will be addressed.

Module 3. Quantitative research designs

Students will be introduced to core principles of quantitative methods, including survey design, sampling strategies, secondary data and statistical analyses.

Module 4. From data to text - preparing the research report

Students will be introduced to how to organize, analyse and discuss collected qualitative data. Learn how to avoid concerns that can proceed from questions relating to improper information, citations and references in research reports.

Bachelor level introductory course on research methodology.

Introductory course on the importance of academic referencing, referencing styles and how to avoid any question of plagiarism.

Knowledge

Students who successfully complete the course will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge about how research is conducted
• understand current perspectives on research in social sciences
• classify and evaluate scientific contributions from different disciplines within social sciences

Skills

Students who successfully complete the course will be able to:

• apply and analyse various theories of science
• develop a research question and a research design
• understand the relevance and reach of different research methods, both quantitative and qualitative
• be able to participate in methodology discussions in empirical social sciences
• be able to evaluate social science research

General Competences

Students who successfully complete the course will be able to:

• employ the principles of good academic practice
• relate critically to the choice and application of different research methodologies
• interpret research findings, draw appropriate conclusions and present those effective with high impact
• design meaningful statements and reports for research dissemination by applying key academic skills and competences

Attendance, active participation and engagement in course activities across the four modules will promote learning and the creation of a learning community, so they are encouraged and expected. Participants must turn in all completed assignments by the due date, participate in lab-exercises, and contribute to group discussions that will take place during the course.

The working and learning activities build upon:

Veal, Anthony James and Darcy, Simon (2014). Research Methods in Sport Studies and Sport Management. A Practical Guide. Milton Park, Abingdon: Routledge.

Additionally, a collection of articles will be recommended and made available during the course.

For further introductory reading on Philosophy of Science the book by Peter Godfrey-Smith (2003). Theory and Reality. An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science, Chicago, ILL: University of Chicago Press is recommended.

• Mandatory coursework: Assignment(s)
• Coursework given: 5
• Coursework required: 4
• Presence: Required
• Comment: Four out of total five coursework assignments are required during the course. Submission of the quantitative coursework assignment is mandatory. The assignments (individual and/or team) will be marked with pass/fail, however, all must be passed in order to advance to the course exam.

• Form of assessment: Classroom/school exam
• Proportion: 100%
• Duration: 5 hours
• Grouping: Individual
• Grading scale: Letter (A - F)
• Support material: -