SYKP2000B Theory of Science and Research Methods Course description

The course builds on SYKP/SYKK1060 Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in Health Care. This course teaches students how to work in a scientific manner. They should be able to read research articles and gain insight into methodical strengths and weaknesses of said articles. Qualitative and quantitative methods, or a combination of these are part of the course. Students will study the research process and basic scientific methods through practical exercises. The course contributes to understanding how scientific methods lay the basis for research results.

Passed the course SYKP/SYKP1060 Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in Health Care.

Admission to the programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge The student is capable of

• explaining the stages of the research process

• describing the connection between the theory of science and research methods

Skills The student is capable of

• describing methods for the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data

• describing the concept of quality in qualitative versus quantitative methods such as validity, reliability, soundness and trustworthiness

• describing differences between the humanistic and natural sciences research traditions

Competence The student is capable of

• reflecting on how research results are influenced by choices of method and interpretation during the research process

• assessing research ethical aspects

Lectures, group work, seminars with presentations and self-study.

None.

Home exam in groups.

• 3–5 students per group.

• The exam period extends throughout the course

• Scope of 1,500 words (+/- 10%).

Resit exam: A student who fails the ordinary exam, may nevertheless submit a reworked version as a resit.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Pass/fail.

Two examiners assess the exams. At least 10% of the exam papers will be assessed by an external examiner. The external examiner’s assessment shall benefit all students.

SYKK2000 and SYKP2000 overlap 100 %.