MAPSY4070 Research Design and Project Description Course description

Language of instruction: Norwegian and English

This course covers the research process from the planning phase until completion of the master’s thesis, including literary searches and referencing, formulation of research questions/hypotheses/issues, choice of research method and development of a project description, as well as ethical assessments relating to the student’s own work. Formal requirements for the project description are also covered to enable the student to complete the project description for their master’s thesis by the end of the course.

MAVIT4050 Theory of Science and Research Methods, 10 ECTS credits or equivalent. MAVIT4060 Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methodology, 10 ECTS credits.

Knowledge

The student

- has knowledge of different theoretical perspectives on diversity and equality, including sociological, post-colonial and inter-sectional perspectives, and knowledge of how these can be used in work with children, young people and families

- has knowledge of identity and belonging and how different identities and group affiliation can work together in categorisation and marginalisation processes

- has knowledge of inclusion and exclusion mechanisms at the institutional and individual level, including categorisation, marginalisation, stigmatisation, segregation, discrimination and racism

- has knowledge of different perspectives on power and how structural power can play out in the relationship between the majority and minority

- has knowledge of ethnic minorities and refugees’ life situations and rights

- has knowledge of indigenous people’s life situations and rights, including the rights of Sami children to practise their own language and culture

- has knowledge of using interpreters in child welfare work

Skills

The student

- can apply relevant theoretical perspectives and knowledge to analyse and develop a nuanced understanding of different minority groups’ situation and challenges in the Norwegian welfare state

- can reflect on society’s general understanding of different minority groups and how these understandings can influence their own professional practice with children, young people and families

- can reflect on how their own childhood, cultural background, preconceptions and values influence interactions with different minorities and can influence assessments and decisions in child welfare work

- can reflect on how power plays out in interactions between child welfare officers and children, young people and families from different minority backgrounds

General competence

The student

- can critically reflect on their own and other’s actions, attitudes, experiences and values relating to different minorities

- can contribute to ensuring equitable services for all groups in society, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, sexual expression, sexual orientation, religion and life philosophy, functional ability, age and class

The course is taught through lectures, self-study, group work and other teaching methods as needed.

No coursework requirements or compulsory activities.

An individual oral exam with a time frame of approx. 30 minutes.

Candidates who fail or who were absent from the ordinary exam for a valid reason can take a resit/rescheduled exam.

Publicly approved law collections with notations according to more detailed guidelines are permitted during the exam.

Grade scale A-F.

Oral exam is assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

Amela Pacuka og Wenche Bekken

-