Research Methods II

Full course description

Research is “creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge […]”. This goal can be achieved in a wide variety of ways. Introduction to Research Methods I (SKI1004) and II (SKI1005), and the Research Project (PRO1012) form one coherent semester-long block of courses in which you will learn about key concepts and considerations when conducting research, ultimately resulting in your own finished research project. Along the way, we will discuss a wide variety of research approaches frequently used in the humanities, social sciences, and the sciences.

In Introduction to Research Methods II, we will build on the foundation laid out in Introduction to Research Methods I to work towards your own research proposal at the end of this course. Along the way, we will work on designing a research project that is feasible with limited resources in terms of time and money, and in addition we will work on some specific qualitative skills and techniques that will allow you to go out and do research. In the Research Methods Project that follows you will execute that proposal and finish with a presentation and a report about your findings.