This module introduces the foundations of research methodology with a specific emphasis on empirical finance applications. Students learn the fundamental principles of research philosophies, methodological approaches, research design, and the factors influencing methodological decisions. The course covers the development, implementation, and analysis of research projects and highlights how methodological choices affect research outcomes.

Building on these foundations, the lecture provides theoretical training in conducting financial research. Students learn how to collect and manage financial data from various databases, perform descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, and apply linear regression and time-series models for forecasting. They further develop skills in formulating testable hypotheses, selecting appropriate research strategies, and applying suitable data collection and sampling methods. The course includes hands-on work with software tools commonly used in financial data analysis.

• Brooks, C.: Introductory Econometrics for Finance, Cambridge University Press (latest edition).
• Campbell, J., Y., Lo, A., W., and MacKinlay, A., C.: The Econometrics of Financial Markets, Princeton University Press (latest edition).
• Saunders, M., N., K.: Research Methods for Business Students, Pearson Education Limited (latest edition).

To register for the Research Methods I module, students must have successfully completed the Statistics, Business Mathematics, English I, and Scientific Work modules.

The successfull completion of this module is necessary for registering in the Module Research Methods II.