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 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
• describe central principles in research ethics

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
• discuss similarities and differences in ethics and method within basic research and applied behavior analysis

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 exam, the following must be approved:

• Presence throughout the day at 3 workshops
• Completion of 4 individual written/calculation assignments

Written examination under supervision, 3 hours

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Grade scale A-F

All answers are assessed by one examiner.

An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.