PH-OÖ

Content: 

• Basics of qualitative and quantitative research, current trends, data collection and methods of analysis 
• Introduction to the field through various exercises about the development and design of qualitative and quantitative research
• Analysis and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative Studies (e.g.: through selected journal articles)
• Differentiation (advantages and disadvantages) of qualitative and quantitative methods and designs
• Planning and conducting a small research project about a (self-chosen or provided) research question, performing various steps of qualitative or quantitative research (collaborative research project in small groups)
• Defining questions for small research project in the group based on current theories 
• Data collection (e.g. learning diary/interview etc.) and/or transcription
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Scientific writing of result reports for different target groups
• Presentation of research results/current state of research

Goals and competences to achieve: 

• Students understand the basics of qualitative and quantitative research  
• Students are familiar with the methods and possibilities of qualitative and quantitative research 
• Students can assess qualitative and quantitative research results in terms of how they emerge, how they are interpreted and what kind of impact they have in the field 
• Students are able to plan and conduct small research/investigative projects (research question, sampling, necessary approach and method, decisions and limitations, in particular with regard to the formation of a hypothesis, operationalisation)
• Students are able to evaluate and interpret data using basic qualitative and quantitative analysis methods
• Students develop an evaluative attitude that allows them to derive and implement indications for further development of teaching from interpretations they have obtained themselves as well as from the results of qualitative and quantitative research 

Requirements and Notes: 

Recommended reading: 

Alasuutari, P., Bickman, L., & Branner, J. (2008). The SAGE Handbook of Social Research Methods. London: SAGE Publications.
Bryman, A. (2012). Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Hussy, W., Schreier, M., & Echterhoff, G. (2013). Forschungsmethoden in Psychologie und Sozialwissenschaften. Berlin heidelberg: Springer.
Trochim, W. M., Donelly, J. P., & Arora, K. (2016). Research Methods. The Essential Knowledge Base. London: Cenage Learning.

Information on exams: 

1. Seminar paper
2. Literature Research and Short presentation of a chosen topic about the content of the lecture (research methods, evaluation, ethics, validity, reliability etc...) + discussion
3. Active participation in discussions about readings
4. Short presentation of small research project (in groups)
5. Feedback about content/personal discussion with Lecturer