Research Seminar
Seminar of the Mentor “Scientific Research Methods for STI” (1st year& 2nd year)
The course addresses the design, preparation and implementation of research projects in the field of STI studies. Its central objective is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to independently plan and pursue academic research. To do so, the course discusses its key steps – a topic identification and problematization, questions and hypotheses formulation, writing a comprehensive literature review, etc. It instructs students on how to use the most popular research methods, i.e. survey, interview, case study, statistical data analysis.
The course is equally designed to extend students’ expertise in the field of STI studies: to introduce them to the forefront research topics and practical issues, addressed by experts and academic community; to share the first-hand experience of using different methods for STI-related research projects; and to discuss the typical mistakes and helpful research tips.
Core topics:
- STI studies: evolution of the academic field, current agenda;
- Research design and its key elements: research topic, problem, questions, goals, hypotheses;
- Research methods in STI studies;
- Quantitative and qualitative data analysis;
- The basics of academic writing and presentation of research results.
Expected Learning Outcomes/Competences:
- Ability to identify and describe problems, develop problem solution strategies, find information and data sources and process these;
- Ability to identify and communicate the form and amount of information needed for decision making; check completeness, process and interpret information;
- Ability to devote resources to long-term management strategies and collaboration with research base for improving management concepts.