ORI2110 Theory of Science and Research Methods Course description

The course focuses on how the prosthetist works in an evidence-based manner within rehabilitation, and applies methods for critical appraisal, systematic quality improvement, and research in clinical practice.

The course provides an introduction to research design, quantitative and qualitative research methods, data collection, data analysis, and research ethics. These topics are further developed in subsequent courses and are intended to provide students with a foundation for working on the bachelor’s thesis at the end of the programme.

The student must have passed the first year of the programme or equivalent.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of basic concepts in theory of science
• can explain reliability, validity, hypothesis testing, normal distribution, p-values and probability calculations
• can explain the steps of evidence-based practice (EBP) and justify the importance of working in an evidence-based manner
• can describe the levels of the evidence hierarchy and explain the differences between primary studies and systematic reviews
• has knowledge of different types of research designs, methods and analyses in qualitative and quantitative research
• can explain interviews as a qualitative research method
• can describe univariate and bivariate statistical methods

Skills

The student

• can develop and formulate research problems, aims, research questions and hypotheses in qualitative and quantitative research
• can formulate different types of clinical questions and apply PICO/PCC in literature searches
• can conduct a simple qualitative study by preparing for, collecting, processing and analysing qualitative research data
• can collect quantitative data using questionnaires and tests
• can analyse quantitative data using descriptive and inferential statistics
• can present the results of qualitative and quantitative analyses

General competence

The student

• can identify potential research ethical issues
• can critically assess health claims in the media
• can discuss the importance of integrating user knowledge, clinical experience and evidence syntheses in clinical decision-making

The work and teaching methods include self-study, group work, seminars, lectures and skills training.

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• minimum attendance of 80% in seminars, literature search classes, computer labs and group work.

Portfolio assessment:

Part 1) Individual written home exam, 750 words (+/- 10%)

Part 2) Group assignment: Written assignment in groups of 2-3 students. Scope of 2,500 words (+/- 10%).

Weighting: One overall grade is awarded based on the portfolio. Both assignments in the portfolio count equally with respect to grading, but if an F is awarded for one of the assignments, the overall grade will also be an F.

Resit exam: Students will be given one opportunity to submit a reworked version of the portfolio assignment(s) for which an F was awarded.

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

Parts 1 and 2: Grade scale A-F.

Parts 1 and 2: All answers are assessed by one examiner. An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum for every third ordinary examination. If selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 10 answers. The external examiner’s assessment shall form the basis for the assessment of the remaining answers.

• 5 credits overlap with the course ORI2100 Theory of Science and Research Methods
• 5 credits overlap with the course ORI1060 Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in Health Care