Course Syllabus for students Autumn 2016

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• thoroughly describe the progression of knowledge based on different approaches in the theory of science
• describe appropriate quantitative, qualitative and combined research methods for different kinds of research questions
• compare design, methods of data collection and data analysis related to different research methods
• describe ethical considerations within different research approaches
• explain what signifies validity and reliability, as well as trustworthiness and credibility in quantitative as well as qualitative studies.

• under supervision perform studies using different research approaches
• apply descriptive and analytical statistics
• conduct interviews and data analysis using a qualitative research approach
• compile and present findings from quantitative, qualitative or combined methods studies
• apply ethical considerations within research.

• evaluate and discuss approaches in theory of science related to research design
• evaluate different research methods in relation to chosen research questions
• evaluate the quality of scientific studies using different design approaches in addition to conclusions drawn.

Philosophical principles of research and approaches of theory of science
- approaches in theory of science
- critical review of scientific articles
- research ethics
Research approaches
- research design within quantitative research methods
- research design within qualitative research methods
- data collection, analysis and presentation using a quantitative, qualitative or combined research methods

The course is given as a web-based distance course.

The teaching is conducted in English.

Bachelor’s degree (i.e the equivalent of 180 ECTS credits at an accredited university) within health and caring sciences, behavioural science, social work, or educational sciences (or the equivalent).

The course is graded A, B, C, D, E, FX or F.

Module 1. Philosophical principles of research and approaches of theory of science, 3 Credits
One written group assignment.
Module 2. Quantitative research methods, 5 Credits
Two individually written assignments.
Module 3. Qualitative research methods, 5 Credits
One written group assignment and one individually written assignment.
Module 4. Thesis proposal, 2 Credits
An assignment and a presentation of a thesis proposal with a quantitative, qualitative or combined research method.
Examination by assistant professor.

Name of the Test	Value	Grading
Philosophical principles of res. and appr. of theor. science	3 credits	A/B/C/D/E/FX/F
Quantitative research methods	5 credits	A/B/C/D/E/FX/F
Qualitative research methods	5 credits	A/B/C/D/E/FX/F
Thesis proposal	2 credits	A/B/C/D/E/FX/F

Attendance requirements
Mandatory attendance at online seminars.

American Psychological Association. (2009). Publication Manual of the American Psycho-
logical Association. Washington, D.C.: The Association cop.
Belenky, M., Clinchy, B., Goldberger, N., & Tarule, J. (1997). Womens Ways of Knowing: The Development of Self, Vioice and Mind 10th Anniversery Edition. New York: Basic Books.
Creswell, J.W. (2013). Research design. London: SAGE Publications Inc.
Day, R. A. (1998). How to Write & Publish a Scientific Paper. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Kessel, F., Rosenfield, P. L., & Anderson, N. B. (Eds.). (2008). Interdisciplinary Research: Case Studies from Health and Social Science. Oxford: University Press.
Kvale, S., & Brinkmann, S. (2008). InterViews: Learning the Craft of Qualitative Research Interviewing. Thousand Oaks: SAGE publications.
Okasha, S. (2016) Philosophy of Science: Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Oliver, P. (2010). The Student’s Guide to Research Ethics. United Kingdom: Open University Press.
Palant, J. (2014). The SPSS Survival Manual. United Kingdom: Open University Press.
Portney, G. L., & Watkins, M. (2013). Foundations of Clinical Research. United Kingdom: Pearson Education.
Latest edition of textbooks to be used.
In addition: scientific articles and reports depending on main area and chosen research method.