EPN-V2

SBV4200 Application of law in child welfare work Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Rettsanvendelse i barnevernfaglig arbeid
Study programme
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Child Welfare Work, part-time
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Child Welfare Work
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Child Care, part-time
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Child Care
Weight
5.0 ECTS
Year of study
2023/2024
Curriculum
FALL 2023
Schedule
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

This course is designed to inform and enrich the material learned in the research methods courses. It combines a descriptive and a normative approach to reflection on social science.

Among topics covered, are the role of values in research, objectivity, realism, social constructivism, social ontology, feminist philosophy of science, evidence-based policy, and causality. 

Language of instruction is English

Required preliminary courses

None.

Learning outcomes

The course provides in-depth knowledge of quantitative design and statistical analysis for use in the student's own master's thesis. The course focus on the possibilities and limitations of different quantitative designs, understanding various data sources, and quality requirements for studies based on statistical analysis within a social science research tradition.

The course includes in-depth knowledge of cross-sectional design, longitudinal design, experiment, and the survey method. Students will also gain in-depth knowledge of conditions that may affect the validity and reliability of a survey and skills in assessing such conditions. Furthermore, students will both learn and not least practice univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses.

There will be a particular focus on regression analysis. Through lectures, e-resources and seminars, students will gain in-depth knowledge and skills in the use of regression-based analysis. 

Language of instruction is English.

Teaching and learning methods

None.  

Course requirements

The assessment consists of a six hour school exam.

Assessment

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

Knowledge

The student has

  • thorough knowledge of the research process 
  • advanced knowledge of qualitative research designs: their appropriate use as well as strengths and limitations
  • advanced conceptual tools to be applied in discussing, evaluating, and exploring social phenomena

Skills

The student can

  • relate research processes to scientific theory and ethical principles
  • apply research methods in a reflective manner and appropriately choose methods that are relevant for different kinds of research questions
  • use relevant methods for producing, analysing and interpreting diverse types of empirical data (e.g. literature, interviews, and field observations)
  • evaluate research based on qualitative methodologies in terms of methodological quality and appropriateness

General competence

The student

  • has knowledge of general research ethics
  • has the ability to reflect critically on the ethical dimensions of data collection, analysis and presentation of data
  • has the ability to think critically concerning the development, design and execution of research

Permitted exam materials and equipment

The exam papers are assessed by an internal and an external examiner.

A random selection consisting of at least 25% of the exam papers will be graded by both an internal and external examiner. This will inform the grading of the remaining exam papers.

Grading scale

School exam: No aids are allowed.  

 

Semester assignment: All aids are permitted, as long as source citation rules are complied with.  

Examiners

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

Course contact person

The exam papers are assessed by an internal and an external examiner. A random selection consisting of at least 25% of the exam papers will be graded by two examiners which will form the basis for determining the level for all the exam papers.