MAIKT-VF Philosophy of Science and Research Methods Course description

Philosophy of science is a tool for students' development of their thesis and provides advanced knowledge in philosophy of science. In addition, the course focuses on providing an overview of important scientific traditions and positions and on different theoretical approaches with particular relevance to the field of ICT and learning. In addition, research methods should be seen in the context of both the philosophy of science and future work with the Master thesis. The tuition is in English if English speaking students attend the course.

No prerequisites required.

After completion of the course the student will have acquired the following learning outcomes, defined as knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

The student

• has advanced knowledge of philosophy of science
• has in-depth knowledge of different methodological approaches to research
• has in-depth insight in the development of knowledge and of methodology issues in the fields of philosophy of science and methods of research

Skills

The student

• can analyse epistemological issues related to the thesis
• can use relevant methods for research and scholarly development work in an independent manner and justify methodological choices
• can analyse and relate their own research contributions in relation to other research in the field

General competence

The student

• can use ethical judgment in relation to one's own role as researcher
• can analyse and deal critically with various methods and can choose, interpret and apply relevant methods
• can apply academic and ethical principles such as transparency, impartiality, accuracy, consistency, verifiability and accountability

Although the sub themes of Philosophy of Science and Research Methods are presented separately below, they are presented coherently so that the students can understand relationship between forms of knowledge and approaches.

Philosophy of Science includes (among other themes):

• epistemological positions and their position within educational research
• issues related to teaching, professional development and learning in light of how various learning theories include technology in different degrees and in different ways.
• research and professional ethics
• studies of ICT in education as a field of knowledge

Research Methods include:

• joint scientific methodological concepts, including general reliability and validity issues
• different research methods with particular relevance to educational contexts and research in the composite field of learning and ICT
• knowledge of research design and application of research methodology in masters work
• qualitative methods with special emphasis on fieldwork, document analysis and interview methods and how these methods are used in education research in general and the field of learning and ICT in particular. Teaching in  research programs such as CAQDAS will also be offered
• statistical concepts and techniques, including their logical and empirical possibilities and limitations of statistical method
• methodologies within the field of design sciences

The course is mandatory and should be completed before the students start working with the master thesis. The working methods are lectures, seminars, and work tasks. Central concepts are discussed in lectures and seminars, but the students must carefully read through the reading list to be familiar with the relevant theories and methods. 

See general rules in the programme plan. Students must have the following individual course work requirements approved before examination:

• An essay on philosophy of science (1000-1500 words +/- 10 %)
• Use of comparative statistics (work load: 4-6 hours)
• Report based on an analysis of a given set of data (1000-1500 words +/- 10 %)

The exam is an individual written home-exam with the duration of 14 days. The exam consists of a scientific paper with the length of 2500 words +/- 10 %.

The new/postponed exam will be conducted in the same way as the ordinary exam.

Examination support material is permitted.

Grades scaled from A-F, with E being the lowest pass grade. 

The examination is assessed by two internal examiners.

An external programme supervisor is used according to HiOA's guidelines to appointing and use of examiners.