Research Methods for Analyzing Complex Problems

Course Objective

The objectives of this course are:

• To understand the differences between beta- and gamma research;

• To acquire insight and understanding of a real-world research

process, including knowledge of the character of complex societal issues

and the needs, advantages and disadvantages of real-world research;

• Being able to create an adequate research design for the investigation

of a specific complex societal problem.

• To acquire insight into relevant research methods (both quantitative and

qualitative) to address complex societal problems, their underlying

theoretical concepts and their relative strengths and weaknesses;

• Being able to apply these various research methods in a specific

societal context;

• To analyze and interpret qualitative findings;

• To acquire insight into reflexivity on the process of doing research in the

real-world

Course Content

Contemporary societies increasingly face complex social problems, such
as climate change, HIV/ AIDS or ethnic and religious diversity. These
complex problems involve a variety of social actors: policy-makers,
professionals, NGOs, industries, science and, of course, the public at
large. Addressing these complex issues demands an approach that
investigates, analyzes and integrates the positions and knowledge of
different actors.

This course offers an (advanced) introduction to various research
methods used in real world research, including questionnaires,
surveys, semi-structured
interviews, and focus groups. These methods are commonly used in
research into complex problem contexts, communication and opportunities
for intervention. Strengths and weaknesses of each research method and
technique will be discussed, as well as its possibility to be applied in
different societal contexts.

Additional Information Teaching Methods

Research Methods for Analyzing Complex Problems is a parttime course of eight weeks (6 ECTS). The total study time is 160 hours. Tuition methods include lectures, workgroups, workshops, group project work and self-study. The different elements have the following study time: - lectures 20 hours - workgroups and training 36 hours - examination 2 x 2 hours - project work & reading (self-study) Remaining hours Please note that attendance to the workgroup sessions is compulsory. If you miss one workgroup, with a good reason, you will receive an additional assignment. If you miss more than one workgroup session it is no longer possible to pass the project part of the course. Attendance to the lectures is highly recommended. In our experience, relying on self-study alone is insufficient to apply the theory of the lectures in the assignments of the workgroups, and to pass the exam.

Method of Assessment

The course grade is based on the group assignment 'research design' and
two individual exams.
Individual Exams 60% of final grade
Group assignment 'research design' 40% of final grade

Literature

The literature of this course consists of selected scientific articles
that are provided on Canvas, and the books:
- Verschuren, D.E. and Doorewaard, H. (2010). Designing a Research
Project (2nd edition)Eleven International Publishing, the Hague. ISBN
978-90-
5931-572-3.
- Gray, D.E. Doing Research in the Real World (3rd or 4th edition)
Publications Ltd, United Kingdom. ISBN 978-1-4462-6019-7

An overview of additional literature per lecture will be provided on
Canvas.

Additional Information Target Audience

The course ‘Research Methods for Analyzing Complex Problems’ is a
compulsory course for first year master students ‘Management, Policy
Analysis and Entrepreneurship in Health and Life Sciences’. This course
is also a compulsory course within the Majors 'Science Communication'
and 'Science in Society' of Health, Life and Natural Sciences Master
programmes.

It can be followed as an optional course for other Life Sciences Master
program students at the VU University, but only when taken in parallel
with Analysis of Governmental Policy (AM_470571).
Please contact the course coordinator prior to enrollment if you belong
to this group.

Additional Information

The entire course is in English.

Please note that attendance to all workgroup sessions is compulsory.

Attendance to the lectures is highly recommended. From our experience,
relying on self-study alone is insufficient to apply the theory of the
lectures in the assignments of the workgroups, and to pass the exam.

Contact:
Durwin Lynch (d.lynch@vu.nl)

Custom Course Registration

Please note that Workgroups are formed through Canvas at the start of
the course, based on the actual number of students that start with the
course. It is not possible to enrol for workgroups otherwise - unless
announced via Canvas.