PSYK2100 Research Methods 1 - Introduction to Quantitative and Qualitative Methodology Course description

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.

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 knowledge of

• basic areas of use for qualitative and quantitative research methods
• interviews in qualitative psychological research
• different qualitative analysis methods
• the key concepts of data collection
• behaviour dimension choices
• different mapping systems and their areas of application
• the necessity of using experimental design
• different N=1 designs

Skills

The student is capable of

• describing different observation methods used in psychology
• measuring the agreement between observers (IOA)
• using common registration methods
• analysing collected data and presenting these in a graph

Competence

The student is capable of

• describing advantages and disadvantages relating to qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis
• discussing ethical issues linked to data collection and observation
• describing 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.

• Participation in group work (80%)
• Participation in demonstrations and completion of practical exercises.
• Presentation of subject matter
• Completion of the four one-hour tests in the course.

The required coursework must be approved before the students can take the supervised written exam.

Supervised individual written exam, four hours.

Calculator

A-F

One internal examiner.