Building Theory with Data
Experimental Approaches in Behavioral Science
Quick Info: Master of Business Research ׀ Seminar ׀ English ׀ Summer term
General Information
| Lecturer | Prof. Dr. Martin Paul Fritze |
|---|---|
| Times | Summer Term April 22, 2026 until July 10, 2026 (blocked) |
| Language | English |
| Credits | MBR course (B1 module), four contact hours |
| Application | Please apply via the following link |
| Application Deadline | 01.04.2026 |
| Contact | David Hähnchen (d.haehnchen@lmu.de) |
Course Description
This seminar introduces participants to structured approaches to knowledge creation in behavioral science. Alongside understanding epistemological foundations, participants will learn about the interplay of theory and empirical research to craft convincing empirical packages for research papers aiming to make theoretical contributions. Emphasis is placed on behavioral science, particularly experimental designs, though the course is suitable for various fields within management science.
Assignment / Grading
Students are expected to actively participate in the discussions, as well as to prepare and present a registered report aiming to contribute to existing theory. Grades will be based on the presentation of the registered report (15-minute presentation, 15-minute discussion), covering the following elements: introduction and background, methodology (study/experimental design and procedures), analysis plan, expected outcomes, and theoretical contributions.
Tentative Schedule Summer Term 2025
| Date | Day | Time (s.t.) | Place | Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 24, 2025 | Thursday | 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM | Room 332 (Think Tank), Ludwigstr. 28/RB | Kick-off and foundations |
| April 25, 2025 | Friday | 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM | Room 332 (Think Tank), Ludwigstr. 28/RB | Critical reflections on experimental approaches and theory development |
| May 20, 2025 | Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM | Room 329, Ludwigstr. 28/RB | Boundary conditions & process evidence |
| June 3rd, 2025 | Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM | Room 329, Ludwigstr. 28/RB | Empirical packages & converging evidence, Open science, Tonality and writing |
| June 18, 2025 | Wednesday | tba | Room 331, Ludwigstr. 28/RB | Individual sessions (upon request) |
| June 25, 2025 | Wednesday | until 11:59 a.m. | Send via the following link | Submission deadline presentations |
| July 18, 2025 | Friday | 11:00 AM - 06:00 PM | Room 329, Ludwigstr. 28/RB | Presentations |
Tentative Schedule Summer Term 2026
| Date | Day | Time (s.t.) | Place | Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 22, 2026 | Wednesday | 14:00 PM - 07:00 PM | Room 329, Ludwigstr. 28/RB | Kick-off and foundations |
| April 24, 2026 | Friday | 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM | Room 329, Ludwigstr. 28/RB | Critical reflections on experimental approaches and theory development |
| May 19, 2026 | Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM | Room 329, Ludwigstr. 28/RB | Boundary conditions & process evidence |
| June 02, 2026 | Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM | Room 329, Ludwigstr. 28/RB | Empirical packages & converging evidence, Open science, Tonality and writing |
| June 17, 2026 | Wednesday | tba | Room 331, Ludwigstr. 28/RB | Individual sessions (upon request) |
| June 24, 2026 | Wednesday | until 11:59 a.m. | Send via the following link | Submission deadline presentations |
| July 10, 2026 | Friday | 11:00 AM - 06:00 PM | Room 329, Ludwigstr. 28/RB | Presentations |
Further Information
- All sessions will be held in person.
- See guideline (PDF, 493 KB) for scientific paper.
- Please use the following template (PPTX, 1,680 KB) for presentations.
- The number of participants is limited to 10.
- Suggested readings for the course and a list of relevant literature will be given in class and included in the course material.