SP9110 Philosophy of Science Research Ethics for Social Work Course description

Introduction

The course deals with important issues relating to scientific and analytic processes in the fields of social sciences and social work. They include the following questions: How can certain knowledge be gained about social processes? What is meant by evidence-based practice? What is the relationship between explanation and understanding in the social sciences? What is the basis for generalisation? What is meant by freedom of research? What is informed consent, and what is the relationship between research and protection of privacy? What considerations decide the choice between qualitative and quantitative methods? What is the difference between theoretical and practical knowledge? What knowledge is tacit, and what explicit? The course focuses on answers offered to these and similar questions by the different philosophy of science traditions, and links the discussion to the candidates' own knowledge projects.

Different philosophies of science will be presented and discussed in connection with relevant methodology discussions: positivism, critical realism, hermeneutics, pragmatism, moderate and radical constructivism, postmodern critique of science etc.

The philosophy of science course is closely linked to the methodology courses in that it provides in-depth study of the philosophical roots and epistemological connections of the different analytic approaches.

No prior knowledge required.

After completing the course, the candidates are expected to have the following knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

Candidates have

• in-depth knowledge of important philosophy of science traditions that are relevant to social work studies
• thorough knowledge of concepts and approaches that make it possible to reflect systematically on different approaches to social work and other social science research, the relevance and limitations of different methods, and research ethics issues
• in-depth understanding of the theoretical basis for quantitative and qualitative methods

Skills

Candidates are capable of

• analysing and assessing philosophy of science positions in social science research literature
• considering and discussing the philosophy of science basis for their own research projects
• making and stating grounds for methodological and research ethical choices on the basis of relevant philosophy of science positions

General competence

Candidates are capable of

• systematic and independent reflection on scientific processes and research ethics issues

The course is organized as supervised self-study supported by seminars with lectures, discussions and candidate presentations. Participation at the seminars is compulsory and expected all days. Only in special cases can a minor absence (up to 20 percent) from attendence be accepted, upon application. If the absence is not approved, the participant will lose the right to have the essay assessed.

Participation is mandatory, and candidates are expected to attend all days of teaching. A minor absence (up to 20 %) may only be accepted under certain circumstances and upon application. In the event of absences that are not approved, candidates will lose their right to have their essays assessed.   

An essay of 8-10 pages must be handed in for assessment no later than two months after the last course day.  A passed essay is a precondition for being awarded the 5 ECTS credits. If the essay is awarded a fail grade, the candidate can submit a revised essay once, within a certain deadline. The theme of the essay must be related to the candidate's own PhD project and determined in consultation with the course coordinator.

All examination support material is allowed as long as source reference and quotation technique requirements are applied. 

Passed- Failed

The essay will be graded by the course lecturer.

The target group for the course are candidates who have been admitted to the PhD programme in Social Work and Social Policy, but it will also be open to others who wish to study the field of social work and social policy in depth.

Admission requirements for external applicants to individual courses

The course is offered primarily to PhD candidates.

Applicants must send in a certified copy of admission to a PhD program and a summary of approximately one A4 sized sheet including information about your PhD project topic, method, theoretical approach, and state why this course will be relevant for your project. To apply for admission please use the Søknadsweb and enclose all the required certificates .