VPSY6050 Theory of Science and Research Methods Course description

Professional practice builds on the assessment and application of research, as well as competence from the development of the field and clinical experience. Theory of science makes up an important part of the basis for understanding scientific activity and different research paradigms, and students are therefore encouraged to develop the ability to take an inquisitive and critical approach to knowledge development. The course provides an overview of methodology and presents approaches to knowledge acquisition and systematic development of the field. The most commonly used methods in qualitative and quantitative approaches to research are presented.

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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

• in-depth knowledge of the research process

• in-depth knowledge of the most commonly used methods in qualitative and quantitative approaches to research

• in-depth knowledge of the link between theory of science and research methods

Skills The student is capable of

• planning the collection of qualitative and/or quantitative data

• analysing and interpreting quantitative data, such as descriptive tables and figures

• analysing and interpreting qualitative data, such as different kinds of text material

• identifying and elucidating research ethics issues in his/her own projects

Competence The student is capable of

• applying knowledge and skills through critical analysis and reasoning to different types of knowledge, values and perspectives on humanity

• analysing relevant academic professional and research ethics issues and proposing solutions

• disseminating academic and research results of relevance to the health and social services

• Theory of science

• The research process

• Research design and methods

• Research ethics

• Data collection, analysis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data

Lectures, group work, seminars with presentations and self-study.

The following assignments must have been completed and approved in order for a student to be permitted to take the exam:

Select a topic of relevance to the programme or from practical experience. Formulate a qualitative and a quantitative research question related to this topic. Choose one of the research questions, and discuss it based on one or two self-selected research articles on the issue in question. Outline a research design and present a relevant method and a potential sample that could be suitable for answering the research question. Identify a research ethics issue related to the topic.

• The assignment is normally written in groups of 4¿6 students

• Scope: 1,500 words (+/- 10%)

• The syllabus shall be used in the assignment

• Oral presentation in groups

• The students receive oral feedback from their fellow students and from the lecturer

Written home exam in groups of 2¿3 students, 4 days. Scope: 2,500 words (+/- 20%)

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

Grade scale A¿F.

All exam papers are assessed by two examiners. At least 20% of the exam papers will be assessed by an external examiner. The internal examiner then continues grading the rest of the papers together with another internal examiner. The external examiner's assessment shall benefit all students.

MAABI4050, MASYK4050, MASYD4050, MAPO4050, MAPSD4050, ABIO6050, KREFT6050, KARD6050, VPSY6050, VPSYD6050, PSYD6050, HEL6050 and BIT6000 overlap 100 %.