AI2711 Theory of Science and Research Methodology 7,5 hp

Lectures on:

• Traditions in scientific thinking and modes of reasoning
• Concepts in science (hypothesis, model, theory, correlation, definition etc)
• Research methodologies in the field of social sciences
• Techniques to collect and analyse data
• Traditions and formats of scientific writing
• Literature search
• Doing a literature review
• Referencing, designing tables and graphs

Assignments will address the topics:

• Hypothesis testing
• Definitions
• Scrutinizing scientific text
• Writing a master thesis
• Literature search
• Outline for individual master thesis

The aim of the course is to provide an overview of theories and methods in research, with emphasize on methods in the field of social sciences. The course provides the students with the necessary practical skills to manage their master thesis work.

Learning outcomes:

After this course the students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of the research process by

• Writing literature reviews
• Formulating research proposals
• Being able to defend their proposals
• Being able to design a small-scale social science research project
• Develop an outline for a dissertation

Denscombe, Martyn. (1998/2003). The Good Research Guide for small-scale social research projects. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Gillham, Bill. (2000). Case Study Research Methods. London and New York: Continuum.

Hansson, Sven Ove. (2007). The Art of Being Scientific.

• ÖVN1 - Övningsuppgift, 4,5 hp, betygsskala: P, F
• TEN1 - Tentamen, 3,0 hp, betygsskala: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examinator beslutar, baserat på rekommendation från KTH:s handläggare av stöd till studenter med funktionsnedsättning, om eventuell anpassad examination för studenter med dokumenterad, varaktig funktionsnedsättning.

Examinator får medge annan examinationsform vid omexamination av enstaka studenter.

När kurs inte längre ges har student möjlighet att examineras under ytterligare två läsår.

Examination, TEN1, 3 credits, A-F

Exercises, ÖVN1, 4.5 credits, P/F

• Vid grupparbete har alla i gruppen ansvar för gruppens arbete.
• Vid examination ska varje student ärligt redovisa hjälp som erhållits och källor som använts.
• Vid muntlig examination ska varje student kunna redogöra för hela uppgiften och hela lösningen.

The course is part of and mandatory for Master’s Programme in Land Management.