Archives and Information Science MA, Development of Theory and Research Design, 15 credits

Aim

The course aims to provide an in-depth understanding of scientific theoretical points of departure, methodological approaches, and practical scientific approaches. Furthermore, the course deals with how these are related to each other and how different methodological approaches affect specific method and design choices.

Course objectives

After completion of the course students will be able to:
- Independently conduct scientific literature reviews
- Analyze and evaluate different theories and / or research method approaches to the scientific project
- Critically examine the methodological approaches in scientific work
- Select and apply to the discipline relevant methodological approaches
- Select and apply relevant quantitative and / or qualitative methods
- Reflect on and analyze ethical and societal aspects of research
- Recognize, motivate and argue for the choice of theory or research method to solve the defined scientific problem
- Demonstrate the ability to identify needs for further knowledge acquisition

Content

The course includes a thorough review of scientific theoretical starting points, methodological approaches (social science and natural science / technical quantitative and qualitative approaches) and the relationship between scientific theory, research design and methods.
Furthermore, the course addresses the practice of research through a focus on the formulation of research problem, literature studies, and theory adoption.
The course covers in-depth and project-specific elements that include in whole or in part the following: Problem formulation, theories, models, scientific methods, experimental methods, scientific theoretical perspectives, tools and instrumentation and research design.

Entry requirements

Bachelor's Degree

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Teaching is carried out via lectures, seminars, supervision, and feedback on assignments. The course is for all major parts of the moment with self-study with individual work.

The course may be given entirely or partially in English.

Examination form

R104: Written report literature survey, 3 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

R204: Written report underlying assumptions about what constitutes 'valid' research, 3 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

R304: Written report positioning, theory and method choices, 3 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

R404: Written report, research proposal, 6 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

Grading criteria for the subject can be found at www.miun.se/gradingcriteria.

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

Other information

This course cannot be included in the same degree as AK016A.