Examination arrangement

Course content

The course will give insight into the most important areas within empirical research methods in IT and digitalization. Approaches to empirical research, research design, data generation and analysis will be covered. The course gives insight in the most used empirical research methods: Case studies, design science, surveys, and experiments. The course provides an introduction to research ethics and managing user data, writing and reviewing research articles, and doing peer reviews.

Learning outcome

• Knowledge: The candidate will acquire knowledge of: - Basics of design of scientific studies. - Principles for selection of data generation and analysis methods. – Basic definitions of empirical research in IT and digitalization. • Skills: The candidate will acquire skilled on: -Planning and conducting research projects. - Collecting and analyzing research data. - Foreseeing and reducing threats to validity of research designs. • General competence: The candidate will get competence on: - Critically evaluate the quality of research studies in IT and digitalization. - Conduct empirical studies.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, self-study, group-based individual assignments. Student groups will conduct a complete cycle of research, including planning, data generation and analysis, paper writing and revision, and presentation in conference. Some of the activities happen in predefined dates and require personal attendance by students.

Compulsory assignments

• mandatory practice hours

Further on evaluation

Retake of the course will require new participation/deliverables in all activities. Students are required to meet up for some mandatory exercises on predefined days. Dates for these days are announced in the beginning of the semester. 

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

This course is designed for students that require fundamental understanding and skills in empirical research-based approaches and methods in order to conduct empirical research for their master thesis. A bachelor's degree in informatics or a similar background is recommended.

Required previous knowledge

No other courses required in order to take this course. This course is currently mandatory for master students in informatics.

Course materials

Articles and book which will be presented at the start of the semester.