ORTO2300 Theory of Science and Research Methids in Prosthetics and Orthotics Course description

The module deals with quantitative and qualitative research methods relevant to the field of prosthetics and orthotics and thus to the basis for evidence-based practice. The topics from this module continue in several subsequent modules in the programme that deal with research design, data collection, data analysis and research ethics in the field. Knowledge of reliability, construct validity and internal and external validity as a basis for critical reading of research articles and other sources will be emphasised.

The table below shows the subjects by the module, with credits specified:

• Theory of science and research methods (9,5 credits)
• Ethics (0,5 credits)
• Total credits: 10 credits

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

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

Knowledge

The student has

• knowledge of the use of systematic literature review and relevant quantitative research methods
• knowledge of interviews as a qualitative research method and of qualitative research methodology
• knowledge of credibility, reliability and validity

Skills

The student is capable of

• collecting and analysing quantitative individual data
• collecting and analysing qualitative individual data
• reflect on the aquisition and analysis of individual data
• presenting analysis results
• searching for and reading research articles and other sources critically

General competence

The student is capable of

• identifying potential research ethical issues in research articles

The work and teaching methods used vary between seminars, skills training, lectures, digital resources, student cooperation and self-study.

The following coursework requirement must be met before the student can take the exam:

• minimum attendance of 80 % at seminars, literature searches, computer lab and group work

Exam content: The learning outcomes

Exam form: Portfolio comprising one individual assignment and three group assignments written in groups of two or three students. Maximum total scope: 7,500 words. Weighting: all assignments count equally, but the overall grade will be an F if an F is awarded for one of the assignments.

Resit exam: The student must rework the portfolio assignment(s) for which an F was awarded.

All

Grade scale A-F

In the social sciences, social categories, such as gender, social class, ethnicity, 'race', sexuality, and age, have traditionally formed separate research fields, often attached to different theories. A result of this division has been that such categories are often portrayed as isolated variables in people's lives. Criticism levelled at such interpretations makes the point that they do not sufficiently address the dynamism that emerges when several categories intersect. Is importance attached to the category "man" or to the category "ethnic minority"? Does the category "woman" offer the same room of opportunity for all those who are categorised or identify as women? Do the categories "young", "boy", "immigrant", have another meaning attached to them than "young", "boy", "Norwegian"?

The course looks at theories that address how such categories have different meanings depending on the combination with other categories. The course offers theoretical, methodological and practical opportunities to explore the dynamism that emerges in the interaction between key social categories. During the course, we will work at making these types of analyses relevant for social work in general.