Research & Methods in Information Studies

2024/2025

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The module introduces students to qualitative and quantitative research designs and methods for data collection and analysis in information studies. This includes an introduction to the ethical and legal principles and challenges of data collection and analysis. Students will also be introduced to academic writing conventions and the field of information science, and will be trained in identifying scientific problems, selecting the appropriate research design(s), conducting literature search and review, and formulating appropriate research questions. As such, this module will form the basis of the problem-based project work and inquiries to be carried out during the course of the degree in Information Studies. 

Learning objectives

Knowledge

The student must through the module gain knowledge and understanding of:

  • theory of science with special significance for the information science field 

  • core research paradigms within the field of information science 

  • quantitative and qualitative research methods 

  • academic writing conventions within the field of information science 

  • problem-based and project-based learning, including techniques for identifying and formulating relevant problem statements and research questions  

  • ethical and legal principles and challenges of data collection, processing, and analysis in information science 

Skills

The student must through the module acquire skills in:

  • performing literature search and review at an academic level 

  • adopting academic and scientific writing styles relevant for the field of information science 

  • planning and executing quantitative and qualitative research studies 

  • reflecting on the ethical and legal principles and challenges of data collection, processing, and analysis in information science 

Competences

The student must through the module acquire competences in:

  • being able to independently plan, manage and execute a research design, including critical reflection on the appropriate methodological choices 

  • being able to independently initiate and conduct quantitative and qualitative research studies with regard to real-world problems relevant to the field of information science 

  • being able to independently develop problem-oriented, interpersonal, structural, and reflective/meta-cognitive learning competences 

Type of instruction

Reference to §17.

Exam

Exams

Name of examResearch & Methods in Information Studies
Type of exam
Active participation/continuous evaluation
The exam can be passed through satisfactory active participation in the course, including attendance, completion of assignments and participation in exercises.

Reexamination:

The exam takes form of a fixed 7-day homework assignment, where the student, based on the module, answers the question(s) and assignment(s) handed out within the module's subject area. The written part of the assignment must not exceed 15 pages and must be prepared individually.

The assignment is assessed by the examiner alone.
ECTS10
Permitted aids
All written and all electronic aids
AssessmentPassed/Not Passed
Type of gradingInternal examination
Criteria of assessmentThe criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures

Facts about the module

Danish titleUndersøgelsesmetoder i Informationsvidenskab
Module codeKAINFOS2015
Module typeCourse
Duration1 semester
SemesterAutumn
KA 1. semester
ECTS10
Language of instructionEnglish
Location of the lectureCampus Copenhagen
Responsible for the module

Organisation

Education ownerMaster of Science (MSc) in Information Science (Information Studies)
Study BoardStudy Board of Communication and Digital Media
DepartmentDepartment of Communication and Psychology
FacultyFaculty of Social Sciences and Humanities