Admission requirements
This course is part of the MSc Industrial Ecology (joint degree between Leiden University and Delft University of Technology). In order to follow this course, a basic knowledge in Statistics which is provided in the online preparation module for the IE program will be helpful but necessary.
Description
This course explains the process of conducting scientific research in the social sciences and introduces the main methods used in the field. It helps students in theorizing and thinking like a researcher, which are often prerequisites of empirical and modelling research. The course covers the whole process of research from building hypotheses and collecting data, to modelling and simulation. Topics include: case study research, surveys (questionnaires and interviews), mixed-methods, modelling and simulation.
Course objectives
After completing this course, students will
have knowledge on different research approaches and methods that can be used to study social phenomena.
know the requirements and limitations for different types of research methods.
be able to judge which kind of method fits which type of problem.
be able to design a research process based on the societal issue and research questions given to them.
know how to develop theories and propositions about social phenomena using their research design.
Timetable
You will find the timetables for all courses and degree programmes of Leiden University in the tool MyTimetable (login). Any teaching activities that you have sucessfully registered for in MyStudyMap will automatically be displayed in MyTimeTable. Any timetables that you add manually, will be saved and automatically displayed the next time you sign in.
MyTimetable allows you to integrate your timetable with your calendar apps such as Outlook, Google Calendar, Apple Calendar and other calendar apps on your smartphone. Any timetable changes will be automatically synced with your calendar. If you wish, you can also receive an email notification of the change. You can turn notifications on in ‘Settings’ (after login).
For more information, watch the video or go the the 'help-page' in MyTimetable.
Please note: Joint Degree students Leiden/Delft have to merge their two different timetables into one. This video explains how to do this.
Note that a detailed Timetable is also uploaded on the course page on Brightspace.
Mode of instruction
The course follows a flipped classroom format. It consists of a series of recorded theoretical lectures which the students can follow in their own time prior to live lectures. Those will be uploaded on Brightspace. The live classroom lectures are dedicated to reflection on the theoretical lectures, practical application of those theories in real-world cases, and exercises.
Assessment method
The assessment includes a written open-book exam and 3 assignments in groups of two students. The students will also have weekly quizzes that have to be completed to pass the course but the quiz grades will not be part of the final course grade.
The final grade consists of two parts: 50% final exam and 50% assignments (Assignment 1: 15%, Assignment 2: 15%, Assignment 3: 20%).
The students are required to get at least 5 for the exam, and at least 5 for the three assignment grades combined.
Retake
If the student is not able to take part in the original exam, to complete the assignments or would like to improve their grade, they can participate in the retake. Therefore, there is possibility for retake for both the exam and the assignments. Note that for both redoing the assignment or redoing the exam, the student needs to register for the retake.
The grade of the part that has already been completed (the assignment or the exam) will be saved and combined with the grade of the retake part. The highest grade will be considered as your final grade.
Inspection and feedback
Students will receive immediate feedback upon completion of each quiz on Brightspace. After the deadline for each assignment, sample answers will be uploaded on Brightspace. Similarly, after the completion of the exam, sample answers will be uploaded.
Reading list
The course will be mainly based on the book: Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practices. In addition, some research papers and supplementary material will also be provided.
Registration
Every student of all years must enroll via MyStudyMap.
In this short video, you will see step by step how to enroll in courses in MyStudyMap. Note that your enrollment is only completed when you submit your course planning in the 'Ready for enrollment' tab by clicking 'submit'.
There are two registration periods per year: registration for the fall semester opens in July and registration for the spring semester opens in December. Please see this page for more information.
Please note that it is compulsory to register for every exam and retake. Not being registered for a course means that you are not allowed to participate in the final exam. Keep in mind that there are enrollment deadlines, see this page for more information.
Extensive FAQ on MyStudymap can be found here.
Contact
Coordinator: Amineh Ghorbani
Remarks
MSc Industrial Ecology students can register for the course and exam via MystudyMap. Other students need to contact the study advisors of the programme via studyadvisor-ie@cml.leidenuniv.nl