Scientific theory and methods

• What is science
• Historic philosophic concepts of science
• The relationship between basic research, applied research and action research. Science, ethics and society
• Perspectives, norms, objectivity and subjectivity
• Science and research ethics (incl. plagiarism, copying and misuse of research results)3. Science and hypothesis testing
• Hypothetic-deductive method and science circle
• Research planning
• Modelling and hypothesis testing based on based on empirical data
• Scientific communication and scientific report writing. Quantitative and Qualitative research
• Reliability and validity
• Quantitative Applied probability theory Estimation Hypothesis testing
• Quantitative Conceptualizing and Research Interview Seven stages of an Interview Investigation

Having passed the exam it is expected that the candidate:

• has advanced knowledge within scientific theory and research methods, and specialized insight into hypothesis testing based on empirical data
• is able to gather observable, empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning
• has extensive knowledge of how to present and report scientific conclusions
• can analyse academic problems in a scientific manner

Having passed the exam it is expected that the candidate:

• can analyse and deal critically with various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments
• can analyse existing theories, methods and interpretations and work independently on practical and theoretical problems
• can use relevant methods for research and scholarly development work in an independent matter-can carry out an independent, limited research or development project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics
• can analyse relevant academic, professional and research ethical problems
• can apply his/her knowledge and skills in new areas in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects
• can communicate extensive independent work and terminology
• can communicate about academic issues, analyses and conclusions, both with specialists and the general public

Teaching methods and activities: Lectures and individual and group exercises (some to be presented in class) to ensure a thorough understanding of how to formulate a hypothesis, plan a study, gather information, analyse the information and present the findings in a scientific report. Mandatory assignment: Each group is required to present 1-2 group exercises. Students are expected to be present minimum 80 % of the time meant for group exercises.