At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Search for and critically evaluate scientific papers in the chosen field of research
• Identify and describe current research in terms of theory and scientific methods
• Based on sociological theory and previous research, choose an appropriate methodological approach for carrying out an empirical study
• Conduct research with qualitative and / or quantitative methods based on an independently developed research question, data collection, data processing and analysis
• Critically reflect on the own research design in terms of implementation, results and analysis
• Write an essay including analysis of empirical data
• Critically examine other students' essays
• Orally present own study, where applicable also presented for external parties / stakeholders

Students are to deepen their understanding of Sociology when applying theoretical and methodological considerations by performing empirical studies of a common problem area. Theme for the common area is defined by the teacher based on the current social phenomena / problems. Studies within these problem areas are often made on behalf of or in collaboration with an external client or stakeholder. The students' work culminates in a scientific report presented to external stakeholders / clients. The course includes both qualitative and quantitative methods. In the qualitative method, interviews are in focus. Source criticism is introduced. Within the quantitative method,  multivariate linear regression models as simple and multiple regressions are introduced. Exercises are made with data collected from a given problem theme. Students also receive training by the University Library on how to search for scientific articles in databases and search tools.

The course starts from a joint scientific problem area. During lectures, seminars and tutorial session the students in groups, are working with problem solving under the supervision of the lecturers. The course ends in a written essay under the supervision of the lecturers. Exercises in statistics, with or without the aid of a computer, and workshops for the review of operations based on own research.

Seminars examines the following targets;

• Search for and critically evaluate scientific papers in the chosen research
• Identify and describe current research in terms of theory and scientific methods
• Based on sociological theory and previous research, choose an appropriate methodological approach for carrying out an empirical study
• Act as opponent on other students essays
  
• Orally present own study, where applicable also presented for external parties / stakeholders

Written report examines the following course objectives;

• Conduct research with qualitative and / or quantitative methods based on an independently developed problem formulation, data collection, data processing and analysis
• Critically reflect on their own research design in terms of implementation, results and analysis
• Write an essay with analysis of empirical data.
  

Students must register for the courses themselves, or contact ETS educational administration eduets@ltu.se, not later than three days after the quarter commences. Failure to do so can result in the place being lost. This rule also applies to students with a guaranteed place.

Due to similar content, the course can not be included in a degree together with the courses S0023A and S0045A or other courses with similar content.

This course replaces the S0023A and S0045A

Karolina Parding

Bryman, A (2011). Samhällsvetenskapliga metoder. Malmö: Liber.
Gibbs, G (2007). Analyzing qualitative data. London: Sage.
Bergström, G & Boréus, K (red.) (2012). Textens mening och makt: metodbok i samhällsvetenskaplig text- och diskursanalys. Lund: Studentlitteratur.
Parding, K; Sjögren, F; Peterson, C & Pekkari, N (2020). Organisering av arbete och dess betydelse för hälsa och välbefinnande. Gävle: Myndigheten för arbetsmiljökunskap.
Parding, K. (2018). Tips & trix. Kompendium (Provided by the teacher).

Articles and other literature related to a current theme will be added.

Reference literature
SPSS-akuten https://spssakuten.wordpress.com/
Strömquist, S. (2001). Konsten att tala och skriva. Malmö: Gleerups.
Karlsson, O (2017). Svenska skrivregler. Solna: Liber.
Fjæstad, B. & Wolvén, L. (red.) (2005). Arbetsliv och samhällsförändringar. Lund: Studentlitteratur.
Nyberg, R & Tidström, A (2012). Skriv vetenskapliga uppsatser, examensarbeten och avhandlingar. Lund: Studentlitteratur.

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Department of Social Sciences, Technology and Arts

Study guidance for the course is to be found in our learning platform Canvas before the course starts. Students applying for single subject courses get more information in the Welcome letter. You will find the learning platform via My LTU.

by Director of Undergraduate Studies Bo Jonsson, Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences 14 Feb 2014

by Director of Undergraduate Studies Daniel Örtqvist, Department of Social Sciences, Technology and Arts 17 Feb 2021