Course content

The course will give insight into the most important areas within empirical research methods in IT (Information Technologies) and digitalization. Approaches to empirical research, research design, data generation and analysis will be covered. The course gives insight in the most used empirical research methods: Case studies, design science, surveys, and experiments. The course introduces research ethics and managing user data, writing and reviewing research articles, and doing peer reviews.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: The candidate will acquire knowledge of:

• Basics of design of scientific studies.
• Principles for selection of data generation and analysis methods.
• Basic definitions of empirical research in IT and digitalization.
• Ethical issues related to empirical research in IT and digitalization, and how to address them.

Skills: The candidate will acquire skilled on:

• Planning and conducting research projects.
• Collecting and analyzing research data.
• Foreseeing and reducing threats to validity of research designs.

General competence: The candidate will get competence on:

• Critically evaluate the quality of research studies in IT and digitalization.
• Conduct empirical studies.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, self-study, group-based and individual assignments.

Student groups will conduct a complete cycle of research, including planning, data generation and analysis, paper writing and revision, and dissemination.

Some of the activities happen in predefined dates and require personal attendance by students (compulsory assignment)

Compulsory assignments

• Compulsory assignment

Recommended previous knowledge

This course is designed for students who wish to gain a fundamental understanding and skills in empirical research-based approaches and methods in order to conduct empirical research for their master thesis. A bachelor's degree in informatics or a similar background is recommended.

Required previous knowledge

Basic competences in IT and digitalization.

Course materials

Articles and book which will be presented at the start of the semester.