• understand and account for the philosophies of science taught in class
• explain, discuss, and apply the different qualitative and quantitative social science research methods taught in class
• compare and critically evaluate strengths and limitations of said methods
• create a comprehensive and actionable research design
• account for and reflect upon ethical dilemmas of conducting empirical research within the social sciences

This course teaches students to (1) understand and critically evaluate the dominant philosophies of science and methodologies that undergird scientific knowledge creation in the social sciences and (2) competently use a broad selection of qualitative and quantitative social science research methods.

The course is divided into three overlapping phases: First, students are introduced to central concepts (induction, deduction, verification, falsification, ontology, epistemology, etc.) and positions (positivism, social constructivism, critical theory, etc.) in the philosophy of science. In addition to learning about theories of what constitutes science, students will get practical training in identifying researchable problems and formulating concise research questions. Second, students will learn about and be taught to use a range of qualitative methods. In the final stretch of the course, students will be introduced to and trained to use a wide variety of quantitative methods foundational to social science research.

Through active participation in the course, students will learn to competently perform social science research. This entails designing a research project of the size and scope required for a Bachelor thesis at CBS. It moreover entails gaining an in-depth understanding of and developing the ability to critically reflect on the conventions of the methodological decisions taken in and possible ethical dilemmas associated with said research project. Finally, students will learn to communicate their research practice and process orally and in writing. The knowledge gained and competencies developed in the course will not only help students in their studies at the university but prepare them for a labour market where they must account for their approach (method) to problem-solving.