EPN-V2

SFB4000 Theoretical Approaches to Family: The Knowledge Base for Therapautic Work Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Teoretiske perspektiver på familier. Kunnskapsgrunnlag for behandlingsarbeid
Study programme
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Study Option International Social Welfare and Health Policy
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Child Care, part-time
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Child Care
Master in Applied Social Sciences: Programme Option Family Therapy
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Family Therapy, part time
Master in Programme Applied Social Sciences
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Social Work, part-time
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Social Work
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2025/2026
Curriculum
FALL 2025
Schedule
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

Master Thesis Preparation Workshop - Quantitative Methods is designed for students who want to use quantitative methods in their master thesis. The course aims at giving students hands on experiences and the opportunity to learn more about how various quantitative designs can be used in social science research. Through acquiring a deeper understanding and broader overview of common quantitative techniques, students will be able to critically evaluate social science research and analyse how individuals develop over time, how social policy relates to comparative social inequalities and study reform effects.

In an applied manner and starting from a basic competence level, students will learn about extensions and alternatives to ordinary linear regression as well as longitudinal/mixed models and counterfactual/experimental approaches. The course also teaches advanced data manipulation, variable coding and applied analysis techniques using Stata programming code. Students will receive individual guidance, appropriate to their needs, on research questions and data that they are considering for their master thesis.

The course will be given in English to help Norwegian students understand international research papers and facilitate participation from international students. Individual guidance can be given in Norwegian.

Recommended preliminary courses

For those who take this course as an elective, it is recommended that students have SSA4000 Social Work Theories from Department of Social Work, Child Welfare and Social Policy, or similar course from somewhere else, which provides a basis for applying different theories and perspectives in the analysis of social issues.

Required preliminary courses

None.

Learning outcomes

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

Knowledge

The student has

  • advanced knowledge about different quantitative designs and data and variable formatting.
  • advanced knowledge about the use of different regression models to analyse social science topics.
  • broad knowledge about different quantitative analysis techniques and how to interpret their results.
  • broad knowledge about the possibilities and limitations of various statistical procedures

Skills

The student is capable of

  • understanding quantitative research articles and their methodological strengths and weaknesses.
  • choosing appropriate analysis techniques given specific research questions and data.
  • working independently with practical data preparation, analysis, and interpretation of quantitative data.
  • using the statistical tool Stata for research purposes
  • presenting statistical results in assignments and articles

General competence

The student is capable of

  • applying skills in quantitative method in new areas to conduct job assignments and projects.
  • critically assessing results from different research designs and from different types of statistical analyses
  • Interpreting and communicating empirical results in an appropriate manner.

Teaching and learning methods

No coursework requirements or compulsory activities.

Course requirements

The following coursework requirements must have been approved for the student to take the exam:

  • Submit an individual, written paper of 5 pages (+/- 10 percent). Font and font size: Calibri 12 pt. Line spacing: 1,5. The paper is based on a selected question from a list of questions.

The aim of the coursework requirement is to get training in academic writing with feedback from teachers. The writing training should provide better insight into the use of theory and the theory's relevance to practice.

All required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline for the student to take the exam. If the coursework requirements have not been approved, the student will be given one opportunity to submit an improved version by a given deadline.

Assessment

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

Permitted exam materials and equipment

Grade scale A - F.

Grading scale

The exam papers are assessed by one internal and one 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.

Examiners

Mats Lillehagen

Course contact person

Students taking the Master`s Programme in Applied Social Sciences or Master i sosialfag should have completed one of the courses SFF4110 or SIW4210. Applicants from other master's degree programmes should have completed and passed quantitative methodology, worth a minimum of 5 ECTs.