So, what’s the coolest thing you learned from the models? Undergraduates meet modelling and simulation researchers

Abstract

Research methods based on modelling and simulation (M&S) are gaining popularity among social scientists to study societal dynamics. Emphasising the importance of this research approach, the Department of Religion, Philosophy and History at the University of Agder initiated a methodology module to help students on the religious studies programme learn about M&S-based research methods. The methodology module entails seminars, tutoring, meet-the- expert sessions and writing a short essay about the opportunities, limitations and challenges of applying the research methods. This article discusses the impact of the meet-the-expert event, examining students’ interaction with the experts to understand how they utilised the opportunity to learn about the research methods from M&S-based professionals in their field.