After completing the module, students will be able to

1. Independently develop a research design for open research questions in the field of personnel psychology,
2. analyse their research hypotheses on the basis of real field studies, experiments or interview- or survey-based studies (data collection and data analysis),
3. categorise and critically discuss the self-generated results against the background of the current state of the art, and
4. present the results to the international research community and adequately integrate the feedback received into their own work.

The course teaches advanced knowledge and methods for conducting and applying empirical research in the field of personnel psychology. Students learn how to develop scientific questions, select suitable research methods and collect and analyse empirical data. The course covers both qualitative and quantitative research approaches and emphasises the practical application of research findings to solve real-world problems in human resources. Topics such as employee satisfaction and motivation, recruitment and selection, and learning and development in an organisational context will be covered in depth. The aim of the course is to enable students to make well-founded, evidence-based decisions in the field of human resources and to design effective measures.

The core literature consists of English-language articles from international journals, which are announced at the beginning of the course or researched by the students themselves.

Background literature:

• Berthel, J., Becker, F. (2022). Personal-Management, 12. Auflage, Stuttgart: Schäffer-Poeschel.
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• Bryman, A., & Bell, E. (2015): Business research methods, Oxford, Oxford Univ. Press.
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• Nerdinger, F. W., Blickle, G., Schaper, N., Schaper, N. (Hrsg.) (2019). Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie. Heidelberg: Springer, S. 271-288.
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• Randall et al. (2020), Work Psychology: Understanding Human Behaviour in the Workplace, Harlow: Pearson.
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• Robbins, S. P., Judge, T. A. (2022). Organizational Behaviour (18. Auflage Global Edition). Boston: Prentice Hall.
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• Saunders, M., Lewis, P., Thornhill, A. (2015): Research Methods for Business Students, 7/E, Pearson.

Seminar-based course; research-based learning in small teams; peer-to-peer coaching

English

Semester-long scientific project work, divided into several components (in English).

6

The module may be conducted in a block format (face-to-face) and will include online phases.

The research results developed will be submitted as a contribution to an international scientific conference, schedule permitting. If the contribution is accepted, participation in the international conference is possible and strongly encouraged.

The submission of the examination performance must be in English.