As part of its doctoral programs, the Department of Media and Interactions is offering the following event in the 2025 summer semester:

Methods Overview
Prof. Dr. Anja Richert (TH Köln), Dr. Vanessa Mai (TH Köln), Prof. Dr. Ivonne Preusser (TH Köln), Prof. Dr. Fernand Hörner (HS Düsseldorf), Larissa Müller (TH Köln)
Event on Research Methods
May 6, 2025 (Tuesday) | 9:00 a.m.–04:00 p.m. | Online

Contents and schedule

In this overview of methods, doctoral candidates will learn about various research paradigms and the associated methods of empirical social research in both keynote speeches and practical work phases. The workshop is divided into four parts:

1. Welcome (9:00–9:15 a.m.)
2. Keynote: Research paradigms and overview of methods of empirical social research (9:15–10:15 a.m.)
   Doctoral candidates will learn about the various research paradigms and the corresponding methods of empirical social research. They will understand in which situations which research paradigms are required and will be able to select the appropriate methods depending on the subject, context, and application.
3. Quantitative methods (keynote & practical work phase) (10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)
   Doctoral candidates are familiar with the various quantitative methods of empirical social research (e.g., surveys, experiments) and understand which methods are appropriate in which situations. In particular, they are familiar with various survey and evaluation methods. In addition, they are familiar with the quality criteria of quantitative methods and can use them to classify the quality of scientific practice in the field of quantitative methods. Doctoral candidates understand how to plan a quantitative study.
4. Qualitative methods (keynote & practical work phase) (1:00–2:30 p.m.)
   Doctoral candidates are familiar with the various qualitative methods of empirical social research and understand which methods are appropriate in which situations. In particular, they are familiar with various survey methods and at least one evaluation method (e.g., content analysis). In addition, they are familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of inductive and deductive category formation and try this out in practical applications. Doctoral candidates understand how qualitative results are to be classified.
5. Mixed Methods (Experience Report) (3:00–3:30 p.m.)
   Using a practical example, doctoral candidates will understand the concept of “mixed methods” and its significance for empirical social research, including best practices.
6. Conclusion (3:30–4:00 p.m.)

Registration

We ask doctoral candidates in the department to register with the Coordination Office (gregor.rehmer@pknrw.de) by April 27, 2025. Doctoral candidates from other departments may participate in the workshop if space is available.