Research Methods

The aim of the course is that students develop an understanding of how basic research principles can be applied to produce knowledge about learning, teaching, and leadership. The course emphasises ways in which systematic research and research-related methods can be applied in development and quality work in school. The content of the course is focused on problem definition, basic theory of science principles, research methods in relation to operationalisation, research planning, data collection, and data analysis using both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis. The main course outline comprises three group assignments focused on 1) theory of science; 2) data collection using qualitative and quantitative methods; 3) data analysis using qualitative and quantitative methods, and the course concludes with an individual assignment in which a research project is planned in terms of problem definition, theory, and method.