SOSGEO4000 – Introduction to advanced research methods

Course content

This course provides an advanced introduction to central approaches within qualitative and quantitative methods. A distinction is made between empirical documentation, exploratory analysis, theory testing, causality and interpretative approaches. The course covers research design, types of data, research ethics, and reporting research results.

The course gives you a broad foundation in central methodological issues. The aim is to provide a basis for understanding key methodological principles and will enable you to assess the viability of different methods in published research and in your own project.

Learning outcome

Knowledge objectives

Throughout this course, you will acquire in-depth knowledge about

  • different types of research design and their characteristics, including exploratory, documenting, theory-testing, causal, interpretive and participatory designs

  • selection criteria and generalisability in different methodological traditions

  • ethical issues related to research practices and methodological choices

  • evaluation of research quality and criteria for evaluating qualitative and quantitative methods

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Skill objectives

Throughout this course, you will learn how to

  • reflect on methodological choices in research projects

  • develop good research questions

  • develop and evaluate hypotheses in research designs

  • prepare and refine case studies and comparative designs

  • demonstrate ethical awareness in research processes

  • develop good data management practices

  • design different kinds of research projects

  • present your methodological choices in written reports

  • process data using suitable software

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General competence

This course will enable you to

  • develop an advanced methodological understanding which will allow you to develop your own research project

  • devise and apply different research designs

  • evaluate and assess research quality in your own research and in published research

Admission to the course

Admission to the course is dependent on admission to a master’s degree programme at the Department of Sociology and Human Geography.

The course is open to master specialisation in didactics for social science in the Teacher Education Programme (Lektorprogrammet) - please see the link for information regarding admission.

Formal prerequisite knowledge

SOSGEO4000 – Introduction to advanced research methods

Teaching

The course consists of lectures and seminars.

Examination

The examination is a 4 hour school exam.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English.You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

?Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

If you are sick or have another valid reason for not attending the regular exam, we offer a postponed exam later in the same semester.

See also our information about resitting an exam.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) July 1, 2025 3:53:07 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Master
Credits
10
Teaching
Autumn

The course is offered for the first time autumn 2026.

Teaching language
English