Research methods in Globalisation and Development
Full course description
This course introduces students to research methods most relevant for theoretical and empirical research in the field of globalization and development (for desk study, internship or fieldwork, respectively). Taking into account the different disciplinary backgrounds of students entering the MA GDS, this course offers broad-view training for designing and conducting research using qualitative and quantitative tools. It is designed to initiate students who may not have been previously trained in methods and revive prior knowledge of students who have. In the process of designing research, students will reflect on the challenges that are specific for the field of globalisation and development, such as data scarcity, ethical challenges, and working across multiple sites.
Course objectives
After completion of this course, students are able to:
- Formulate a methodology to answer a research question from a myriad of existing methodological choices
- Gather and analyze qualitative and quantitative data and interpret findings as appropriate to the method
- Report concisely and scientifically on a research process
- Recognise the epistemological backgrounds to quantitative and qualitative research methods
- Formulate own research question in the field of globalisation and development and demonstrate the appropriate research methods based on prior and knowledge obtained from the course
- Design a qualitative or quantitative research design, with a clear link to a chosen theory
Prerequisites
Enrollment in MA GDS