Empirical work and statistics

Please note that in the ESE department we primarily assign empirical research questions as the basis for BA/MA theses. This implies that you are prepared to deal with qualitative or quantitative empirical research methods and are familiar with evaluation methods. Previous experience with data analysis software (e.g. JASP, SPSS, R, etc.) or the willingness to familiarise yourself with this software independently is essential. If you wish to collect your data using a qualitative research design, familiarisation with qualitative social research methods and the willingness to familiarise yourself independently with the relevant analysis software are essential.

Introductory information on research methods and data analysis can be found here:

Peters, J. H. & Dörfler, T. (2019): Planning, conducting and analysing final theses in psychology and the social sciences. (2nd, updated and expanded edition). Pearson, chapter 7.

Peters, J. H. & Dörfler, T. (2019): Writing and designing theses in psychology and the social sciences. (2nd, updated and expanded edition). Pearson, chapter 2.

Important: The IfB offers workshops on academic writing every semester. The workshops are aimed at students of special needs education and educational science. The contents of the workshops and the additional counselling sessions offered provide the basics for the methodological and statistical approach to final theses. This content is not taught by the supervisor. Participation is therefore recommended.