The course provides an introduction to how to apply and execute quantitative research. The different steps in the research process will be discussed. From problem definition to the application of available literature, choice of research design, data collection, analyses and presentation and interpretation of results.

The course provides a practical introduction regarding rules for writing empirically based assignments.

1. General introduction

- Theme and problem definition: methodology and theory, empirically based theory.

- Problem definition

Research philosophy:

- Why methodology

- Positivism and interpreting scientific approaches.

- Ethical and practical trade-offs.

2. Quantitative research

-- Constructs and variables

- Hypotheses

- Causal models

- Quantitative designs (experiments and crossectional designs)

- Strengths and weaknesses of quantitative design

- Survey development

- Data validation

- Sampling and data collection

- Descriptive statistics/data screening in SPSS

3. Operationalisation and factor analysis in SPSS

- Normal distribution

- Survey development

- Variable operationalisation

- Scales

- Validity

- Reliability

- Interpretation and conclusions

- Reporting

4. Testing hypothesis in SPSS

- Basic analytical techniques

- Correlation

- Regression analysis

- Analyses of variance (T- test/ ANOVA)

- Control variables

- Interaction- moderation analyses

- Cross tabulations

Subject description 6354

Method I: Statistics and quantitative methods

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