Quantitative Research Methods in Innovation Studies (DSV610)

This course is an entry-level course to quantitative analysis in innovation studies for PhD students. It features an introduction to the software R, discusses data reduction techniques, regression and correlation analyses, as well as social network analyses.


Course description for study year 2022-2023

Facts

Course code

DSV610

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

5

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring, Autumn

Language of instruction

English

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

This course is part of the Norwegian Research School in Innovation (NORSI) and introduces students to the quantitative analysis part of the common course in research methods under the NORSI program. The course will exclusively be offered as a part of NORSI common courses. The course will survey the most used quantitative analysis techniques in the social sciences such as an introduction to R, data reduction techniques, regression and correlation analysis, and social network analysis. Students will learn about these techniques as applied in the field of innovation studies.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

Students will have a basic overview of quantitative analysis techniques and their application in innovation research.

Students will be able to evaluate the use of methods and the main data sources relevant for innovation research.

Students will be able to develop new knowledge and new theories on innovation using quantitative methods.

Skills:

Students will be able to conduct innovation research at a basic level using quantitative methods, including factor analysis, regression and correlation analysis, and social network analysis.

Students will be able to formulate new research questions and conduct innovation research using quantitative methods.

Students will be able to handle the statistical software R

General competence:

Students will be able to assess when and how to use quantitative research methods.

Students will be able to discuss academic analyses in the field at a basic level.

Students will be able to assess research using quantitative methods.

Required prerequisite knowledge

The students must satisfy the admissions requirements of the PhD programme.

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Term paper 1/1 Passed / Not Passed

To obtain 5 ECTS point requires active participation during the course as well as an accepted paper of 3.000-4.000 words demonstrating competence in using quantitative methods. The paper should be based on the topic of the PhD thesis and reflect literature used in the course. If quantitative methods will not be used in the thesis a paper answering given tasks could substitute a normal paper. However, the concrete form of the written delivery can be further discussed during the course.Term paper - appr. 3.000-4.000 words. The paper will be assessed as a pass/fail.

Coursework requirements

The course requires active class room participation.

Method of work

The course will be delivered as a single-week intensive course at the University of Stavanger, as part of the Norwegian Research School in Innovation. The course will include lectures and computer lab sessions in relation to the methods.

Open for

The course is open to interested PhD candidates at the University of Stavanger and other universities.

Course assessment

The course participants are encouraged to contribute to the course evaluation.

Literature

The syllabus can be found in Leganto