In this course, we will learn how to plan and conduct quantitative research.

This will include:

1.  the introduction of fundamental terms;
2. the presentation of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including quantitative methods such as self-completion questionnaire, structured observation, content analysis, and qualitative methods such as interviews, focus groups, ethnography and participant observation;
3. how to decide whether a research question requires quantitative or qualitative methods;
4. overall the focus will be on quantitative studies!
5. what are the phases of an empirical project;
6. how to relate the empirical study to theory;
7. how to design a study (objectivity, reliability, validity) including the design of hypotheses and research questions;
8. how to do data collection including how to setup one's own online questionnaire

Note: This course provides you with the theoretical background and hands-on skills to define, setup up and conduct an empirical study on your own. It is strongly recommended to attend this course prior to the follow-up course in Summer Semester 2022, where the course participants learn to analyse and evaluate empirical data.

"Students from other faculties or universities will receive a place on the course subject to
room capacities."

For the successful participation of the course, the following criteria must be fulfilled:

- Regular attendance (at least 80%)

- Timely submission of partial services (literature-based research question, hypothesis, operationalization, excerpt, questionnaire)

- Timely submission of a research paper covering the design of an empirical study.