Research design: the process from idea to psychological knowledge

The course provides an introduction to the process in various types of research projects. There will be a focus on possibilities and limitations of research questions in different research designs, the scientist’s position within scientific theory, as well as methods for collecting data. In the course teaching, psychology’s contribution to science, as well as planning and implementation of psychological research will be discussed. The course will serve as a bridge builder for the bachelor’s thesis.

Knowledge:

• The student has knowledge about the process of research - from idea and theory to the production of and contribution to knowledge.
• The student has knowledge about research design and the applicability of different kinds of designs.
• The student knows about quality criteria for good research in relation to design and distinct design characteristics.

Skills:

• Collect, communicate, and critically reflect on research-based knowledge
• The student can develop research questions adapted for different designs and knowledge gaps.
• The student can design a research project based on a topic of research
• The student can reflect about the suitability of different research designs to answer specific topic issues in psychological research.
• The student can argue for how results from a given research project can contribute to specific gaps in knowledge.

General competence:

• The student has developed the ability to reflect and think critically about how psychological research projects are designed and implemented.

Lectures and colloquiums.