PSYK1100 Philosophy of Science, and Ethics Course description

The course highlights key issues in the Western history of ideas. These form the basis for choosing methods based on a research/evidence-based perspective, and for our understanding of the importance of science to general academic knowledge.

The course provides a basic introduction to qualitative and quantitative methods, with relevant criticism of the methods. It focuses on systematic observation and registration of behaviour that can form the basis for research and for implementing measures. The basis for change work and scientific research is that the data the research is based on are valid and credible.

Different systems used to map behaviour will be examined. Qualitative data collection and analysis will be illustrated using a relevant selection of academic approaches. Emphasis will also be placed on the ethical assessment of psychological data collection.

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 can

• describe the most important areas of the philosophy of science (metaphysics, epistemology and ethics) and selected perspectives from the philosophy of science
• explain the philosophy of science as a basis for psychology and behaviour analysis as disciplines
• explain scientific method
• explain different theories of ethics
• explain the ethical guidelines and guidelines for professional conduct that are described by the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
• describe the key principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and the Regulations of the Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REC)

Skills

The student can

• describe and reflect on ethical issues relevant to the psychology field
• describe and reflect on conflicts of values and ethical dilemmas at individual, group and society levels
• describe and reflect on experiment as a scientific method

Competence;

The student can

• reflect on positions in the philosophy of science in relation to choices of methods and different theories of normative ethics

Work and teaching methods used in the course are lectures and self-study. Seminars will also be held where the students present subject matter. Participation in these seminars is compulsory. Students will present texts from the syllabus, encourage discussion and receive guidance on further reading. During the course, the students will submit four assignments related to key topics in the syllabus. The assignments will be set by the lecturer. The students’ learning outcomes will be documented through presentations, written papers and the examination.

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 can

• account for basic areas of use for qualitative and quantitative research methods
• give an account of interviews in qualitative psychological research
• account for different qualitative analysis methods
• explain key concepts in data collection
• explain the choice of behavioural dimension
• describe different behavioural mapping systems and areas of application
• explain the necessity of using experimental designs
• describe different N = 1 designs

Skills

The student can

• describe different observation methods used in psychology
• measure the agreement between observers (IOA)
• use common registration methods
• analyse collected data and presenting these in a graph

General competence

The student can

• describe advantages and disadvantages relating to qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis
• discuss ethical issues linked to data collection and observation
• describe judicial factors that affect data collection and observation, with particular weight on consent, exchange of information and storage​

Work and teaching methods used in the course are lectures, supervised group work on assignments and self-study. Workshops with practical exercises will also be organised. At these, the students will practise practical skills. The workshops are compulsory. Students will also present grounds for academic, ethical and legal considerations linked to the topic.

To sit for the examination, the following must be approved:

• Minimum 80% participation in compulsory lectures and workshops
• Group presentation of subject matter
• Submission of 4 individual assignments in the form of data presentations

Written examination under supervision, 4 hours

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