Study Guide

Objective

To provide the students with a foundational knowledge of what research is about and how to utilize research findings. A secondary goal is that the student, before commencing his/her thesis work, reflects and in-corporates the scientific way of analyzing problems.

Content

Methodological scientific thinking and acting. Different paradigms and perspectives. Research purpose, problem identification and characterization. Basics of model building. Application of logical thinking to problem solving. Quantitative and qualitative methods. Data collection and tools for analysis. What is a type I error and a type II error in a scientific approach. Analysis of previous degree projects, Master’s Theses and Doctoral Theses.

Qualifications

See Study Handbook 12-2018, page 13.

Materials

- Eriksson, P. & Kovalainen, A. (2008) Qualitative Methods in Business Research. SAGE.
- Sekaran, U. & Bougie, R. (2013) Research Methods for Business. Wiley.
- Journal articles suggested by the examiner.
- Hirsjärvi, S. & Remes, P. & Sajavaara, P. (2009) Tutki ja Kirjoita. Helsingfors: Tammi.
- Patel, R. & Davidson B. (2011) eller nyare upplaga. Forskningsmetodikens grunder: Att planera genomföra och rapportera en undersökning. Lund:
Studentlitteratur