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701-0729-00L 4 Credits BSC D-USYS

Social Research Methods

Methoden der empirischen Sozialforschung

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Susanne Hanger-Kopp, Dr. Tim Tröndle, Dr. Ariane Wenger
The aim of this course is to convey methodological principles of social science research and thus to encourage critical reflection on social science findings. The course provides an insight into the concrete procedure and methods of guideline-based interview techniques and questionnaire research.
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Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:13:56

Abstract

The aim of this course is to convey methodological principles of social science research and thus to encourage critical reflection on social science findings. The course provides an insight into the concrete procedure and methods of guideline-based interview techniques and questionnaire research.

Objective

The students are able to - describe the importance of method-based procedures in social science. - Explain and implement basic principles of social science research. - critically read reports in the media on the results of social science research. - conduct and analyze small interviews and questionnaire surveys. - Critically reflect on the social research process and draw policy-relevant conclusions from their work

Content

All participants commit themselves to active participation in the form of three exercises (guideline-based interview, creation of questionnaires, survey and evaluation of questionnaires). Content overview: (1) Why empirical (social) research? (2) Overview of the research process, linking qualitative and quantitative methods (3) Guided interviews: creating guidelines, conducting and evaluating them (4) Questionnaire: Develop hypotheses, create questionnaire, conduct, analyse data, and present results.

Resources

Lecture Notes

The lecturers work with slides that are handed out as handouts.

Literature

The following book can be recommended as supplementary reading: Bryman, A. (2012, 4th edition). Social research methods. New York: Oxford University Press.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Es werden drei Übungen angeboten, die alle erfüllt sein müssen.Übung 1: leitfadengestütztes Interview (30%)Übung 2: Erstellung eines Fragebogens (40%)Übung 3: Erhebung von Daten und Auswertung eines Fragebogens (30%)Three exercises are offered, all of which must be successfully completed.Exercise 1: Guided interview (30%)Exercise 2: Creation of a questionnaire (40%)Exercise 3: Collecting data and analysing a questionnaire (30%)

Registration & Places

Priority: Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Methoden der empirischen Sozialforschung
  • Mon 09:15-12:00 (HG D 7.1)
3 h weekly

Offered In