Philosophy of Science and research methods

This course is designed mostly for students that intend doing research in the broader area of philosophy of science and research methods. The module is very flexible and allows students to specialize in various areas of financial management. The assignment are:

•An in depth review and analysis of an article

•A literature review

There are examples of article reviews and a literature review that students can follow as a guideline.

This module is designed either for doctoral candidates or students preparing to study a doctorate.

This course equips you to analyse and review the latest published research on Philosophy of science and research methods. This module requires a broad overview of the various topics included in the latest published research on philosophy of science and research methods.

In this course, you are required to investigate and criticize an article (as though you were a reviewer). This will help you to understand why articles get published and you will also learn about the latest research on philosophy of science and research methods. 

For the second assignment you will be required to do a literature review of a topic of your choice in the broad field of research methods. This will help you to obtain an overview of the published articles on your chosen topic. 

This course introduces the students to the philosophy of science. The justification, interpretation and application of scientific theories and models is discussed. It covers the generation of scientific theories with an emphasis on qualitative research techniques. It includes topics on observational field research, case histories, narratives and case studies, interviewing, principles of action research, evaluation and grounded theory. It examines the strength of alternative methods and the connection between qualitative and quantitative research methods.


Introduction 

Selecting an article

Review of article

Sample reviews

Qualitative research methodology

Modelling

Literature review

Evaluating literature review

Sample literature review

On successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of Philosophy of Science and research methods at the master's level that provides a basis for developing and/or applying new ideas, often within a research context.
  • apply knowledge, critical understanding, and problem-solving abilities in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study (Philosophy of Science and research methods)
  • assimilate knowledge and formulate opinions with incomplete or limited information, but that include a reflection on social and ethical responsibilities.
  • communicate their assumptions, and knowledge regarding Philosophy of Science and research methods and the rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously.
  • use the acquired skills to allow them to continue to study in a manner that may be largely self-directed and autonomous.
  • integrate knowledge from other courses of the master program and practical business and formulate critical judgments with incomplete data.

The course is offered as self-study in e-learning. The learning material is provided in the form of lectures, literature, and lecture notes. Independent learning is required. In the case of paper submissions, further research is expected in compliance with the given scientific standard. LIVE course sessions are offered to support the students with questions regarding the content. Students are supported in their scientific work by corresponding online seminars.

All lectures and learning materials are made available in the online campus GHU Campus. All lectures are recorded and are available for download 24/7. The lecture notes, as well as additional material provided by the lecturer, can also be accessed in the GHU Campus.

Documents for exam preparation consisting of lectures and lecture notes. Additional material provided by the lecturer serves as independent files and can be used to work on the exams. The examination comprises theory questions, reflection, and case study and is intended to confirm all learning objectives.

The assessment consists of a 5000-word Philosophy of Science and research methods homework and assesses all learning outcomes. As a master-level assignment, the homework requires a command of a complex and specialized area of knowledge and skills. This implies that, in addition to demonstrating a sound grasp of the ideas and concepts relevant to the topic of thehomework, students will show that they can evaluate aspects such as conventions of approaches, their internal consistency, relevance, and applicability, as well as strengths and weaknesses.

To reach an assessment, students will consider competing approaches and draw on critiques put forward in scholarly literature. The position adopted in the assignment and any claims made must be based on a careful, coherent, and logical arguments, need to be appropriately supported with evidence from relevant scholarly sources, and should be presented in a coherent piece of writing. Sources must be referenced appropriately in-text and in a quote/reference list as set out in the GHU Referencing Guidelines.

Jan Walters Kruger

- Univ.-Prof. -