Course: Research methods and techniques

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Course title Research methods and techniques
Course code KPOL/B109
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Seminary
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study 2
Semester Winter
Number of ECTS credits 6
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Maškarinec Pavel, doc. Mgr. Ph.D.
  • Bláha Petr, Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
1. What and how to research meaningfully? Formulation of a research question. The role of theory and formulation of hypotheses. 2. Quantitative vs. qualitative approach - choice of approach. 3. Qualitative research. What, how and why to research? 4. Preparation of qualitative research, research interview. 5. Participatory observation. 6. Discursive analysis and its types. 7. Quantitative research. Basic problems. 8. Preparation of quantitative research (hypotheses, variables). 9. Basics of working with statistical data on PC (Statistica, Excel, freeware variants). 10. Work with statistical data archives. 11. Descriptive statistics and probability. 12. More complex statistical procedures.

Learning activities and teaching methods
unspecified, unspecified, unspecified, unspecified, unspecified
Learning outcomes
The course deals with research methods and techniques. In the first part, students will learn to distinguish between qualitative and quantitative methodology. Gains the competence to select appropriate research techniques, including their strengths and weaknesses. They will also learn to formulate research design and carry out their own research.
The student is able to choose a suitable research methodology. The student distinguishes between qualitative and quantitative approach. Based on the knowledge, the student formulates an adequate research design. The student is able to carry out their own research. The student recognizes the risks and can prevent them appropriately.
Prerequisites
None

Assessment methods and criteria
unspecified
To successfully complete the course, it is required to prepare a paper, submit a seminar paper in the range of 8 to 10 standard pages and successfully pass the exam.
Recommended literature
  • Disman, M. Jak se vyrábí sociologická znalost. Praha: Karolinum, 2011.
  • DRULÁK, P. Jak zkoumat politiku: Kvalitativní metodologie v politologii a mezinárodních vztazích. Praha, 2008. ISBN 978-80-7367-385-7.
  • Hájek, M. Čtenář a stroj. Praha, 2014.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester