Methodology of Research and Design

2 / 2

Session I : Research Design

The first part spans four days and three evenings and is geared to setting up a research project, in other words the research design. The following aspects are dealt with in succession:

- methodological cycles;

- research plan;

- research geared to technical subjects;

- research geared to organisational subjects;

- research geared to theory forming and/or testing.

Session II: Philosophy of Science

The second part of the course consists of five consecutive day-segments and is entirely devoted to positioning of research in terms of the philosophy of science. By way of discussions and brainstorming sessions, the participants are helped to form a clearer picture of the position they adopt in their research within the philosophy of science debate and the potential dilemmas this positioning may present in the subsequent course of their research.

Session III: Individual Research Projects

The third part consists of two days. The participants’ own research project is now presented from a methodological perspective, using viewpoints acquired during the first and second parts of the course. The third part also covers such themes as the practice of research and the mirroring of one’s own experiences against those of a fellow post-doctorate researcher.

Institution:

University of Twente, Institute for Governance Studies (IGS)

Lecture:

Dr. D.J. Kiewiet

Dr. J.M.G. Heerkens

Dr. F.M. van Eijnatten

Prof.dr. L. Karsten

Drs. J.P.J.M. Essers

Price NOBEM member: (click link to see who is a member)

€ 1575,-

Price NON-NOBEM member:

€ 1875,-

Included in price:

Literature, overnight accommodation and meals.

Travelling expenses are not included in the course fee.

Location:

Conference centre ‘t Hof van Putten in Putten

www.hofvanputten.nl

Contact:

For further information and registration you can contact:

Brenda Kroeze

Institute for Governance Studies, University of Twente

T: 053 - 489 4187

E: b.b.kroeze@utwente.nl

URL link for complete information:

http://www.igs.utwente.nl

Objective of the course:

On the principle of the maxim that the best way to learn how to do research is to do it, the following are the objectives aimed at in this course:

Impressing upon the participants the pivotal importance of the definition of the research question to the subsequent design and execution of the research.

Exploring the relationship between theory-oriented and design-oriented research. A distinction is made between:

- research geared to theory development;

- research geared to a technical way of thinking;

- research geared to organisational designs.

(This subdivision is regarded and used as an ideal situation. The reality of a research project may incorporate elements from the different research approaches.)

Illuminating the relationship between the aforementioned research approaches and the methodological cycles.

Practising skills in subjects such as problem analysis, research plan, validity and reliability, type of research (comparative, experimental, case study, action research), operationalisation, samples and methods of collection and processing as well as use of the functions of research, such as embedding research into a politico-organisational force field, the legitimisation of research and researcher, and research management. Case studies are used to help in the practise work.

The interchange of participants’ own research experiences.

Tying in potential research approaches to philosophy of science perceptions.

Literature:

Participants will receive literature approximately three weeks before the beginning of the course.

2 / 2