Research Methodology, Theories of Sciences and Ethics

The course is an introduction to scientific research methods and their foundation in theories of sciences and ethics. Quantitative and qualitative methods are treated as equally important. The course expands and pursues selected knowledge concerning methodology that students bring with them from their Bachelor’s Degree training. The basic rationale of quantitative approaches are discussed in relation to selected designs most pertinent to assessing human change processes. There is a particular emphasis on interpretation and presentation of results of the selected designs and analyses through practical exercises with SPSS. The course also offers the basic rationale for qualitative approaches in general, and provides a thorough study of selected qualitative methods. Different techniques for collecting, structuring, and analyzing qualitative data are studied. The students will be trained in carrying out qualitative research. The course will not cover all different quantitative and qualitative approaches. The selected approaches will be related to the specializations in human development offered by PSY3083 and SANT3506. However, the training in the selected approaches should give the student a basis for studying independently other methodological approaches they will deem relevant and useful in the future.

The course will (1) provide a foundation in theories of sciences for the choice of research methods, (2) provide insight in the ethical implications of different methodological approaches to research, (3) provide a foundation for autonomously developing and carrying out a structured interview and a questionnaire, an experimental design, a qualitative research design, and provide knowledge of width in scientific designs as a basis for adequate choice of methods and practical implementation of research projects.

Teaching semester: Spring Semester cycle: Flexible cycle, graduate level Teaching methods and activities: Lectures, seminars, field work, and exercises Syllabus: 800 p Examination: 6 hour written exam on Quantitative Methods. One exam paper on Quantitative and Qualitative Methods, Theories of Sciences and Ethics. Letter grade on each part. Written exam and exam paper are weighted 1/2, 1/2 in the final grade. Deadlines: Submission of paper 2 weeks after end of teaching.