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Institution: see Organisers & Supporters
Programme of study: International Research Workshop
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Daniel Schnitzlein (Leibniz University Hannover & Innside Statistics)
Date: see Workshop Programme
Max. number of participants: 20
Credit Points: 5 CP for participating in the whole IRWS
Language of instruction: English
Contents: Results of scientific research are often (and increasingly) complex and challenging to understand for a non-scientific audience. However, at the same time, the transfer of results from academic research to non-academic recipients, such as politics, private foundations, or private firms providing research funding, as well as the interested public, is becoming increasingly important. Probably the most important skill in this context is the ability to create a clear visual representation of your main (quantitative data-based) results.
Today, data are everyday companions in almost all scientific and professional fields. The graphical representation of data is both an elementary step in the analysis process and an important component in communicating the results. The course Principles of Data Visualization trains this ability and leads you away from the standard diagrams of common office/statistics packages to clear and concise data representations with the help of many practice-oriented examples. The course consists of 50% lectures and 50% hands-on sessions. The methods trained in this course apply to all visualisation tasks, regardless of the software package used. The exercises in the hands-on sessions can be carried out using your preferred software tool.
Requirement of students: Basic knowledge of empirical (quantitative) social and economic research is beneficial but not strictly necessary.
You must register for the International Research Workshop to participate in this course.
Institution: see Organisers & Supporters
Programme of study: International Research Workshop
Lecturer: Dr. Jonas Buche (Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture)
Date: see Workshop Programme
Max. number of participants: 20
Credit Points: 5 CP for participating in the whole IRWS
Language of instruction: English
Contents: Since publishing the seminal work “The Comparative Method” by Charles Ragin in 1987, set-theoretic methods and primarily Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) have become a common research strategy in the social sciences. Set-theoretic methods analyse cases concerning the identification of sufficient and necessary conditions and assume set relations to be equifinal, conjunctural, and asymmetric. Since the introduction of so-called fuzzy sets to the method, there has been a growing interest in QCA as a welcome alternative to both small-n case studies and large-n statistical analyses. In short, QCA is recommended if ‘if…then’ hypotheses are analysed, if the goal is to derive sufficient and necessary conditions, if a comparison is planned, and if there is a mid-sized number of cases (between 10 and 60+).
The course provides a comprehensive introduction to QCA, offering a conceptual and technical orientation. It begins with an overview of the basics of set theory and distinguishes QCA as a case-oriented method from both the quantitative and interpretive-qualitative research paradigms. The single elements are built into the Truth Table Algorithm through the notion of necessary and sufficient conditions and truth tables. However, this algorithm is not free of problems. Therefore, some pitfalls and strategies for overcoming them are presented. The software tool fsQCA will be introduced and applied to published studies on the third day.
A requirement of students: No prior knowledge is required. We will use the software fsQCA, which can be downloaded at www.fsqca.com.
Recommended literature and pre-readings:
You must register for the International Research Workshop to participate in this course.
Institution: see Organisers & Supporters
Programme of study: International Research Workshop
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Daniel Schnitzlein (Leibniz University Hannover & Innside Statistics)
Date: see Workshop Programme
Max. number of participants: 20
Credit Points: 5 CP for participating in the whole IRWS
Language of instruction: English
Contents: The course provides an overview of the theoretical basics and empirical evidence of questionnaire design. The cognitive process of survey responding, including the challenges of designing effective survey questions —such as proper question wording and optimal response formats —will be discussed, as well as pretest techniques for evaluating survey questions. A practical part will accompany the lecture.
You must register for the International Research Workshop to participate in this course.
Institution: see Organisers & Supporters
Programme of study: International Research Workshop
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Kamil Marcinkiewicz (University of Wroclaw, Poland)
Date: see Workshop Programme
Max. number of participants: 20
Credit Points: 5 CP for participating in the whole IRWS
Language of instruction: English
Contents: Case study research is frequently applied in the social sciences. The ubiquity of the case study research contrasts with the scarcity of theoretical reflection on its core methodological aspects. Moreover, it is often unclear what these core methodological aspects are, as the term is used in different ways by (qualitative and quantitative) researchers. Furthermore, the benefits of comparative analysis are often underestimated. In this course, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about what case study research is, its strengths and weaknesses, and how to approach the core question in designing a case study, including the selection of cases. The course combines lectures with practical exercises and student project discussions.
A requirement for students: Please be prepared to discuss your projects. Please bring your laptop computer.
Recommended literature and pre-readings:
You must register for the International Research Workshop to participate in this course.
Institution: see Organisers & Supporters
Programme of study: International Research Workshop
Lecturer: Dr Marco Lehmann (Oviva AG)
Date: see Workshop Programme
Max. number of participants: 20
Credit Points: 5 CP for participating in the whole IRWS
Language of instruction: English
Contents: The course introduces the programming language R, which is used for statistical analyses. The beginning of each lecture features a demonstration of programming and statistical functions that will be elaborated upon throughout the study. The students will then practice with many statistical examples. In addition to statistical functions, the course will introduce the definition of R as a programming language and its syntax rules. Students will further learn to use R’s scripting capabilities. Successful participation requires basic knowledge of descriptive and inferential statistics. Students are encouraged to bring their laptops with the free software R (www.r-project.org) and RStudio (www.rstudio.com) installed.
A prerequisite for students: Basic knowledge of descriptive and inferential statistics is recommended.
Recommended literature and pre-readings:
You have to register for the International Research Workshop to participate in this course.
Institution: see Organisers & Supporters
Programme of study: International Research Workshop
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Sylvia Rohlfer (IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems)
Date: see Workshop Programme
Max. number of participants: 20
Credit Points: 5 CP for participating in the whole IRWS
Language of instruction: English
Contents: Unlock the Secrets of Crafting Compelling Literature Reviews!
Embark on a journey to master the art of literature review writing in this upcoming workshop course tailored exclusively for PhD students! Are you ready to conquer the daunting task of navigating through vast seas of scholarly literature? Look no further! Join us for an enlightening 3-day workshop where you will be equipped with invaluable strategies and techniques to tackle this crucial aspect of your thesis (and subsequent research articles).
In this dynamic course, you will dive deep into the heart of effective literature review writing. From unravelling the characteristics of extensive bibliographies to synthesising diverse perspectives, you will be armed with a toolkit brimming with tips, tricks, and cutting-edge tools. We will also cover the role and possibilities that machine learning and online tools might add to your work. Say goodbye to feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of scholarly discourse – you will see how you can navigate it with finesse and precision.
But wait, there’s more! You will not only hone your ability to sift through mountains of research but also refine your writing habits for maximum impact. Through engaging sessions filled with hands-on activities and group collaborations, you will receive personalised peer feedback to elevate your skills to new heights.
No prior reading is required – come with an open mind and a willingness to dive headfirst into the world of academic exploration. Shortly before the course begins, you will receive more detailed instructions and the material to be downloaded for each day of the course. However, to ensure a tailored learning experience, I kindly request that you submit an extended abstract of your research project (two pages maximum, in English, German, or Spanish) to sylvia.rohlfer@imc.ac.at at least one week before the workshop starts.
Secure your spot today and unlock the doors to scholarly excellence.
You must register for the International Research Workshop to participate in this course.
Institution: see Organisers & Supporters
Programme of study: International Research Workshop
Lecturer: Dr.Paulo Gilberto Rescher (University of Hamburg)
Date: see Workshop Programme
Max. number of participants: 20
Credit Points: 5 CP for participating in the whole IRWS
Language of instruction: English
Contents: This workshop offers a comprehensive introduction to Grounded Theory, considering its possible application in manifold fields and contexts of study and the feasibility of combining it with diverse research techniques (mainly qualitative and ethnographic ones). The focus will be on the basic methodological stance and the entire process, starting with the research design, the collection of material with an exploratory character, up to the multi-layered process of analysis, which leads to the theorisation of results with a so-called medium-range approach. The workshop is equally oriented towards “beginners” interested in learning about the basic epistemological perspective of Grounded Theory and its practice, as well as towards participants who already have a more profound knowledge of Grounded Theory or have already applied this methodology in research and wish to discuss specific aspects or questions that have arisen in research practice. Experience has shown that this diversity of participants means that all groups can benefit from each other’s experiences, questions, and doubts. Accordingly, the workshop will be adjusted to participants’ needs.
Hence, we will first discuss basic concepts and procedures such as research design, data collection, coding, categorisation, memo writing, theoretical sampling and theoretical saturation. Afterwards, these concepts will be clarified through practical exercises using examples, ideally provided by the participants. Therefore, participants with concrete research projects (be they planned or already put into practice) are invited to share their ideas, design and material to (further) develop the research practice among the group. If you are interested in presenting examples, please get in touch with Gilberto Rescher in English, German, Spanish or Portuguese (gilberto.rescher@uni-hamburg.de).
Gilberto Rescher will also highlight his own research experiences in areas such as diversity, politics, migration, and gender, with a focus on Latin America, to demonstrate how grounded theory can serve as an important guideline for research and analysis within a broader methodological framework. Accordingly, exemplary cases from the literature will also be drawn upon.
For successful participation, engaging in a qualitative, exploratory paradigm and discussing the cases presented in the workshop is necessary.
In addition to your registration, please answer the following questions (English or German):
As a brief preparation for the workshop, the short text on Anselm Strauss or Grounded Theory can be read in one of the editions of “Qualitative Forschung: Ein Handbuch” by Flick et al.
You must register for the International Research Workshop to participate in this course.
Institution: see Organisers & Supporters
Programme of study: International Research Workshop
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Fabian Hattke (University of Bergen, Norway)
Date: see Workshop Programme
Max. number of participants: 20
Credit Points: 5 CP for participating in the whole IRWS
Language of instruction: English
Contents: The purpose of this course is to familiarise participants with the basic characteristics of qualitative research. The course introduces the methodological and practical aspects of various forms of qualitative research, including case studies, discourse analyses, interviews, observations, qualitative meta-synthesis, theory building and sampling strategies. It also addresses practical challenges, including the development of research questions, the application of various coding approaches, the use of technical tools, and ethical considerations.
Recommended literature and pre-readings:
You must register for the International Research Workshop to participate in this course.
Institution: see Organisers & Supporters
Programme of study: International Research Workshop
Lecturer: Jenny Hahs (University of Duisburg-Essen)
Date: see Workshop Programme
Max. number of participants: 20
Credit Points: 5 CP for participating in the whole IRWS
Language of instruction: English
Contents: Stata is a statistical program package widely used (not only) in the social and economic sciences; it is used for data management, statistical graphics, and quantitative data analysis. Statistical concepts will not be covered in the course, so participants should have a basic understanding of statistics. The course should enable participants to prepare their data for analysis, perform adequate analysis using a statistical computer program, and document these tasks to ensure reproducibility.
For Beginners with no or very little Stata knowledge!
Course topics cover:
A prerequisite for students: Statistical concepts will not be covered in the course, so participants should have a basic understanding of statistics.
Recommended literature and pre-readings: None.
You must register for the International Research Workshop to participate in this course.
DAAD GSSP Scholarship
The scholarships are available from 1 October 2025 for up to four years.
We welcome applications from candidates aiming to write their doctoral thesis at the Bamberg Graduate School of Social Sciences. The school supports scholarship holders through personal mentoring, workshops and support services.
The Bamberg Graduate School of Social Sciences is a multidisciplinary Graduate School funded by the Bavarian State. We seek to stimulate and guide cutting-edge doctoral research on some of the most crucial challenges modern knowledge-based societies are facing.
Specialised research agendas have been grouped into four thematic pillars:
PILLAR 1: Education, personal development and learning from early childhood to adulthood
PILLAR 2: Educational and social inequality across the entire life course
PILLAR 3: Changes in human capital, labour markets and demographic structures and their relation to social structures in modern societies
PILLAR 4: Governance, institutional change and political behaviour
// QUALIFICATION AND REQUIREMENTS:
Requirements
We invite applications by highly qualified graduates from the fields of Sociology, Psychology, Educational Science, Political Science, Labour and Educational Economics, Demography and Statistics. Candidates must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in one of the aforementioned subjects or be very close to completion and should not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months by the start of the membership.
Successful applicants will be required to take up their residence in Bamberg, a city noted for its high quality of life and great conditions for research and study. DAAD Scholarships amount to a monthly stipend of 1,300 EUR, plus other allowances according to the DAAD guidelines.
The Graduate School is committed to diversity, equal opportunities and the compatibility of family and career.
For further information about the Bamberg Graduate School of Social Sciences, the application process and the required documents, please visit our website at
https://www.uni-bamberg.de/en/bagss/application/daad-scholarship/
The deadline for the submission of your application is Monday, 10 March 2025.