Master
2024/2025
Seminar of the Mentor “Scientific Research Methods for STI”
Type:
Compulsory course (Science, Technology and Innovation Management and Policy)
Area of studies:
Management
Delivered by:
Department of Educational Programmes
When:
2 year, 1-3 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Open to:
students of one campus
Master’s programme:
Governance of Science, Technology and Innovation
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
6
Contact hours:
64
Course Syllabus
Abstract
This compulsory course is delivered to students of the Master Program ‘Science, Technology and Innovation Management and Policy’ at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE). It is delivered during both years of studies, and its length is 456 academic hours in total of which 132 are classroom hours and 324 hours are devoted to self-study.
The first part of the course (1st year) addresses the design, preparation and implementation of research projects. Its central objective is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to independently plan and pursue academic research. To do so, the course starts with an outline of the main philosophical assumptions of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Students will learn to critically reflect on the implications these assumptions have for the research design and methodology. Further, the course discusses the key steps of scientific work – research topic identification and problematization, questions and hypotheses formulation, writing a comprehensive literature review, etc. Particular attention is given to the research methods often used in the field of STI studies: survey, interview, case study, secondary statistical data
analysis, etc. The course then continues with a block of lectures and seminars on data analysis, interpretation and presentation.
The second part of the course (2nd year) is designed to extend students’ expertise in the field of STI studies: to introduce them to the forefront research topics and practical issues, addressed by experts and academic community; to share the first-hand experience of using different methods for STI-related research projects; and to discuss the typical mistakes and helpful research tips. Equally, the course aims to assist students in choosing relevant topics for their master research, writing their master theses research proposals (MTRPs), and their further realization in master theses.
The course is reading- and writing-intensive. The final grade is based on the number of activities organized during the two years of studies.
Learning Objectives
- To provide students with practical knowledge and skills necessary for the successful development of a research proposal and further realization of their research projects (Year 1).
- To broaden students’ knowledge on social studies research methods, especially those traditionally used in STI studies (Year 1).
- To train students’ analytical and critical thinking skills (Year 1).
- To extend students’ expertise in the field of STI (Year 2).
- To assist students in identifying relevant topics for their master research, and developing proper research design (Year 2).
- To equip students with knowledge and skills necessary for the successful development of MTRPs and further realization of their research projects (Year 2).
- To train students’ analytical and critical thinking skills (Year 2).
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Ability to devote resources to long-term management strategies and collaboration with research base for improving management concepts
- Ability to identify and communicate the form and amount of information needed for decision making; check completeness, process and interpret information
Course Contents
- 1.1. Introduction to the course
- 1.2. Term paper guidelines and regulations
- 2. STI studies: overview of the academic field
- 3.1. Research design and its key elements: research topic, problem, questions, goals, hypotheses
- 3.2. Literature review: strategies and algorithms
- 4.1. Research methodologies and method selection
- 4.2. Interview and focus group
- 4.3. Survey research
- 4.4. Sample
- 4.5. Case study
- 4.6. Document analysis and content analysis
- 5.1. Introduction to data analysis
- 5.2. Quantitative data analysis
- 5.3. Qualitative data analysis
- 6. Delivering your research results. Presentation and analytical reports.
- 7. Research proposal
Assessment Elements
- Mentor's Seminar
- Master Thesis research proposal (defense)
- Master Thesis Research Proposal (written)
- Homework
- In-class participation
- TP Research proposal
Interim Assessment
- 2023/2024 4th moduleYear 1 = 35% In-class participation + 30% Homework + 35% TP Research Proposal Year 2 (total for the course) = 20% Mentor’s Seminar (1st year) + 30% In-class participation + 30% MTRP (written) + 20% MTRP (defense
- 2024/2025 3rd module3.1. Grading formulae Year 1 = 35% In-class participation + 30% Homework + 35% TP Research Proposal Year 2 (total for the course) = 20% Mentor’s Seminar (1st year) + 30% In-class participation + 30% MTRP (written) + 20% MTRP (defense)
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Case study research : principles and practices, Gerring, J., 2007
- Conducting research literature reviews : from the Internet to paper, Fink, A., 2005
- Georg M. Eichler, & Erich J. Schwarz. (2019). What Sustainable Development Goals Do Social Innovations Address? A Systematic Review and Content Analysis of Social Innovation Literature. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.F879E2B0
- How to do your research project : a guide for students in education and applied social sciences, Thomas, G., 2013
- Jenny Rowley. (2014). Designing and using research questionnaires. Management Research Review, (3), 308. https://doi.org/10.1108/MRR-02-2013-0027?utm_campaign=RePEc&WT.mc_id=RePEc
- Research design : qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches, Creswell, J. W., 2009
- Seawright, J., & Gerring, J. (2008). Case Selection Techniques in Case Study Research: A Menu of Qualitative and Quantitative Options. Political Research Quarterly, 61(2), 294–308. https://doi.org/10.1177/1065912907313077
- Timothy J. Ellis, & Yair Levy. (2008). Framework of Problem-Based Research: A Guide for Novice Researchers on the Development of a Research-Worthy Problem. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.A95F4B40
- Writing scientific research articles : strategy and steps, Cargill, M., 2021
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Haunberger, S. (2016). International Handbook of Survey Methodology. E. D. de Leeuw, J. J. Hox & D. A. Dillman, 2008. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.B0965933
- Katz, M. J. (2006). From Research to Manuscript : A Guide to Scientific Writing. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=165671
- Norman M. Bradburn, Seymour Sudman, & Brian Wansink. (2004). Asking Questions : The Definitive Guide to Questionnaire Design —— For Market Research, Political Polls, and Social and Health Questionnaires: Vol. Rev. ed. Jossey-Bass.
- Petra Lietz. (2008). Questionnaire design in attitude and opinion research: Current state of an art. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.1F9B720