Course content

The course departs from qualitative epistemologies to deepen into post-positivist paradigms to support the combined use of quantitative and qualitative research methods in complex designs.

Complex designs, either mixed or mono methods, imply the combination of several strands of research or the investigation of multiple cases in an integrated study. Key elements are the coherent conceptualization of all the stages of the design, and the use of refined strategies of integration at diverse stages of the research process. Complex designs may be used, for example, in longitudinal, embedded, or multi-phased studies. They are implemented in Ph.D. studies, innovative, applied, and interdisciplinary research, effectiveness assessment, and programs’ monitoring and evaluation. Complex research defines its object of study in terms of systemic theories, where multiple layers of the human, social, environmental, or technological worlds shape the empirical reality. Unlike researching fragmentation, researching complexity allows connecting parts and wholes, understanding processes and changes, and managing uncertainty and resilience.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The candidate …

• masters the epistemological and methodological fundamentals of mixed methods research in the frame of the post-positivist research paradigms.
• understands the design process of mixed methods and complex case studies in social, educational, and health sciences.
• has comprehensive and updated knowledge within their academic field about the use, advantages, and limitations of scientific results generated in mixed methods studies.
• can evaluate critically the usefulness, feasibility, and application of different mixed methods and multi-site case designs in their fields and in interdisciplinary projects.

Skills

The candidate is able to …

• use quantitative and qualitative methods in complex design following their specific strategies of inquiry, data collection, and scientific rigor.
• use coherent strategies of integration throughout the whole research process.
• generate broad mixed research questions, and objectives, and can define adequate cases of study.
• can design complex research of a high international standard supported by mixed methods and/or multi-site comparative case studies.
• contribute to the development of mixed methodologies in their discipline, in cross-disciplinary, or translational research.

Competences

The candidate is able to …

• identify and discuss critically relevant ethical issues in the design and implementation of complex research, especially in vulnerable, multicultural, or disadvantaged contexts, and can carry out their research with scholarly integrity.
• analyze multifaceted academic and/or societal issues and propose scientific solutions by designing complex research processes and challenging established knowledge in the field.
• reflect on their research positionality and recognize how the use of complex designs generates contextualized knowledge that may inform relevant and feasible social policies.
• communicate the advantages and limitations of the use of complex designs, in areas such as innovation, program planning, effectiveness evaluation, interdisciplinary research, and excellence, through recognized Norwegian and international channels.

Learning methods and activities

Five modules of four hours during the semester will include lectures, guest presenters, seminars of discussion, and group work. This course is aimed at Ph.D. candidates from all scientific disciplines, but Ph.D. candidates in psychology, or other programs of the Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences, might have priority. The course will run with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 students.

Further on evaluation

The student must complete a written assignment (max. 3000 words) focused on the use of a complex design (mixed methods, multiple-cases study, etc.) in the subject area of their research. The paper should have (i) a brief presentation of the research topic, and a comprehensive research question, (ii) a synthesis of methods literature on the use of complex designs in the chosen topic, and (iii) a complex research design and the justification for its use. The objective of this monograph is for students to have a relevant and useful methods document for their doctoral research.

The monograph may not be used as part of the doctoral thesis, but the content may relate to the doctoral thesis.

Previously approved compulsory activity applies to re-take of the exam. It will be possible to take a postponed exam in the course in the spring semester with submission on 1 February. This applies to students who have a valid medical certificate or have failed the last ordinary exam.

Required previous knowledge

A completed master’s degree or equivalent in any specialization.