5009680: C19 Research Methods

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Semester:WS 20/21
Type:Module
ECTS-Credits:3.0
Scheduled in semester:3
Semester Hours per Week / Contact Hours:30.0 L / 22.5 h
Self-directed study time:67.5 h

Module coordination/Lecturers

Curricula

Master's degree programme in Information Systems (01.09.2019)

Description

In Research Methods, students learn to identify pertinent research questions, conduct systematic literature reviews, apply appropriate research methods, and report on their results. The course covers nine primary topics:

  • Introduction to scientific research
  • Scientific writing
  • Ethical standards
  • Literature reviews
  • Qualitative research
  • Quantitative research
  • Mixed-methods research
  • Design science research
  • Theories used in Information Systems research

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of the course, students will:

  • understand the historical development and concept of scientific research.
  • understand the fundamentals of scientific writing.
  • be familiar with the most common issues related to research ethics, including plagiarism.
  • will know the Association for Information Systems (AIS) Code of Research Conduct.
  • be able to identify appropriate theories to explain empirical phenomena.
  • be able to identify suitable research methods in order to seek answers to specific research questions.
  • be able to use appropriate qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods and design-oriented approaches to scientific research.

Qualifications

Lectures Method

  • The course involves interactive lectures with exercises to integrate theoretical knowledge, practical design, and analysis skills.
  • The e-learning platform Moodle will be used throughout the course for the dissemination of course material and for information and discussion.

Literature

  • Further readings:Bryman, A. & Bell, E. (2015). Business Research Methods (4th ed.). Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.Creswell, J.W. (2013). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (3rd ed.). London; UK: Sage Publications.Oates, B.J. (2006). Researching Information Systems and Computing. London, UK: Sage Publications.Recker, J. (2012). Scientific Research in Information Systems: A Beginner’s Guide. Heidelberg, Germany: Springer.