MAPSD4050 Theory of Science and Research Methods Course description

Professional practice builds on the assessment and application of research, and competence from the development of the field and clinical experience. This requires that you, in your professional practice, are able to read, understand and apply research literature and see this in the context of clinical experience and professional development. Theory of science makes up an important part of the basis for understanding scientific activity. Through this part of the course, we want to stimulate an inquisitive and critical approach to knowledge development and with the make the students better equipped to critically assess which basis professional decisions are made. The course Theory of Science and Research Methods also provides an overview of the most used methods in qualitative and quantitative research, as well as on central research ethics principles. Insight into different methods means that you, as a professional practitioner, can identify research literature that is suitable for answering various academic questions.

The following must have been completed and approved in order for a student to be permitted to take the exam:

Project description outline

• individual or in groups of two students
• the outline should be presented at a seminar with opponents with an opportunity to discuss and make changes before the final submission
• Scope: 1,000 words (+/- 20%)

Attendance in compulsory activities

• of 80% in study groups and seminars

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

• has in-depth knowledge of the research process
• has in-depth knowledge of the most commonly used methods in qualitative and quantitative approaches to research
• has in-depth knowledge of the relationship between theory of science and research methods

Skills

The student is capable of

• planning the collection of qualitative and/or quantitative data
• analysing and interpreting quantitative data, such as descriptive tables and figures
• analysing and interpreting qualitative data, such as different kinds of text material
• identifying and elucidating research ethics issues in their own projects

Competence

The student is capable of

• applying knowledge and skills through critical analysis and reasoning to different types of knowledge, values and perspectives on humanity
• analysing relevant discipline-related, professional and research ethics issues and proposing solutions
• disseminating academic and research results of relevance to the health and social services

Project description

• individual or in groups of two students
• Scope: 2,000 words (+/- 20%)
• Governs the master’s thesis with an emphasis on the methodology section

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

In order to take the exam, the coursework requirement must be approved.

Group assignment

• The assignment is normally written in groups of 3-6 students
• Scope: 2,000 words (+/- 10 %)
• The syllabus must be used in the assignment
• Oral presentation in groups
• The students receive oral feedback from their fellow students and from the lecturer.

The course covers theories of science, qualitative and quantitative research methods and research design that are relevant for mental health, mental disorders and the field of mental health care. The course covers all steps in the research process, formulation of research questions, ethical reflection and principles for scientific work. The course forms the basis for the master's thesis and is therefore not a course in which exemption and recognition can be granted.

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 has

• advanced knowledge of the importance of theory of science positions to research on mental health, mental disorders and mental health care
• knowledge about theoretical, methodical and practical challenges in scientific work
• advanced knowledge about the connection between theory of science and choice of methods within mental health care
• in-depth knowledge of the various steps in the research process/ scientific work
• in-depth knowledge about ethical principles in scientific work

Skills

The student is capable of

• taking a reflective and critical approach to theory of science and understanding the link between views of knowledge and methods
• applying theory of science and research methods based on research issues and research questions
• analysing and interpreting empirical material
• preparing research questions and project descriptions

Competence

The student is capable of

• applying theory of science in the development of design, methodology, analysis and interpretation
• understanding theory of science and how different perspectives on humanity, views of knowledge and values govern the research
• applying research methods in an independent and critical manner
• assessing and taking a critical approach to research in the mental health care field
• communicating scientific knowledge in an independent and critical manner

Lectures, group work, seminars and self-study.

The syllabus amounts to approx. 800 pages.

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