GIS: Research Methodology

<p>The aim of the course is knowledge and understanding of basic philosophy of science, skills and ability to use tools for literature search, plan a scientific work based on applicable theories and use adequate presentation tools for conveyance of scientific information. You also learn to compile, evaluate and discuss choice of materials and analytical methods to solve a given problem, and critical analysis of source material.</p><p>The main objective of this course is to provide essential knowledge and skills for conducting scientific research. You will acquire useful training in library knowledge, and you will be encouraged to explore the possibilities to use information obtained from various sources and data bases. You are introduced to the fundamentals in scientific theory and scientific models such as realism, idealism, empiricism and positivism. The course cover research methods that are common in all kinds of scientific research, and you will learn a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods. You will also gain knowledge and training in argumentation theory, aiming to provide a valuable tool for them in academic writing.</p> <h3>Course content</h3> <p>The course consists of four parts:</p> <ul> <li>Library knowledge. In this part, various tools and methods for literature search are studied.</li> <li>Theory of Science. This part deals with basic scientific theory, various concepts such as realism, idealism, empiricism and positivism.</li> <li>Research methodology. The part deals with both quantitative and qualitative methods. Interview techniques and participatory observation methods.</li> <li>Argumentation theory. In this part of the course, you develop skills in identifying and analyzing sustainable and unsustainable arguments in, for example, text material. The focus is on different types of arguments such as deductive and inductive.</li> </ul>