Research Methodology & Designs for Business Psychologists II
Niveau
Master
Learning outcomes of the courses/module
The participants:
• analyze and interpret empirical data independently.
• critically evaluate results in the context of existing research.
• integrate theory, literature, and their own findings coherently.
• present research results in a target-oriented scientific format.
• defend their research in a well-argued and reflective manner.
• further develop their master’s thesis in a goal-oriented way up to the final examination.
• analyze and interpret empirical data independently.
• critically evaluate results in the context of existing research.
• integrate theory, literature, and their own findings coherently.
• present research results in a target-oriented scientific format.
• defend their research in a well-argued and reflective manner.
• further develop their master’s thesis in a goal-oriented way up to the final examination.
Prerequisites for the course
None
Course content
This course continues the accompanying process of preparing the master’s thesis. Students are expected to present initial results from their research process.
• Data Analysis & Interpretation (descriptive and inferential statistical analyses; data preparation; initial results)
• Results from Empirical Studies (experimental designs; questionnaire studies; validation of instruments)
• Scientific Argumentation (interpretation; limitations; positioning within the research landscape)
• Literature Review & Theory Development (systematic review; linking theory and empirical research)
• Scientific Presentation (conference formats; storytelling; visualization of results)
• Discussion & Defense (handling criticism; argumentation; reflection on one’s own research)
• Preparation for Graduation (structure of the thesis; presentation; examination setting)
• Data Analysis & Interpretation (descriptive and inferential statistical analyses; data preparation; initial results)
• Results from Empirical Studies (experimental designs; questionnaire studies; validation of instruments)
• Scientific Argumentation (interpretation; limitations; positioning within the research landscape)
• Literature Review & Theory Development (systematic review; linking theory and empirical research)
• Scientific Presentation (conference formats; storytelling; visualization of results)
• Discussion & Defense (handling criticism; argumentation; reflection on one’s own research)
• Preparation for Graduation (structure of the thesis; presentation; examination setting)
Recommended specialist literature
• Beins, B. C. (2019). Research methods: A tool for life. Cambridge; UK: Cambridge University Press.
• Privitera, G. J. (2025). Research methods for the behavioral sciences. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Rasch, B., Friese, M., Hofmann, W., & Naumann, E. (2021). Quantitative Methoden 1: Einführung in die Statistik für Psychologie, Sozial- & Erziehungswissenschaften. Berlin: Springer.
• Rasch, B., Friese, M., Hofmann, W., & Naumann, E. (2021). Quantitative Methoden 2: Einführung in die Statistik für Psychologie, Sozial- & Erziehungswissenschaften. Berlin: Springer.
• Sedlmeier, P., & Renkewitz, F. (2024). Forschungsmethoden und Statistik für Psychologen und Sozialwissenschaften. München: Pearson.
• Teti, D. M., Cleveland,H. H., & Rulison, K. L. (2026) (Hrsg.). Handook of research methods in developmental science. Hoboken, NJ: Johny Wiley.
• Privitera, G. J. (2025). Research methods for the behavioral sciences. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Rasch, B., Friese, M., Hofmann, W., & Naumann, E. (2021). Quantitative Methoden 1: Einführung in die Statistik für Psychologie, Sozial- & Erziehungswissenschaften. Berlin: Springer.
• Rasch, B., Friese, M., Hofmann, W., & Naumann, E. (2021). Quantitative Methoden 2: Einführung in die Statistik für Psychologie, Sozial- & Erziehungswissenschaften. Berlin: Springer.
• Sedlmeier, P., & Renkewitz, F. (2024). Forschungsmethoden und Statistik für Psychologen und Sozialwissenschaften. München: Pearson.
• Teti, D. M., Cleveland,H. H., & Rulison, K. L. (2026) (Hrsg.). Handook of research methods in developmental science. Hoboken, NJ: Johny Wiley.
Assessment methods and criteria
Exam
Presentation
Presentation
Language
German
Number of ECTS credits awarded
3
Semester hours per week
Planned teaching and learning method
The course is based on an e-learning concept that incorporates a didactically aligned combination of online and in-person phases. During the online phases, an inductive learning approach is applied, fostering the independent acquisition of knowledge and the completion of tasks. The in-person phases follow a deductive approach, in which learning processes are guided and deepened, and content is systematically delivered through lectures as well as practical examples.
Semester/trimester in which the course/module is offered
3