MBIB4000 Research Methods and Theory of Science Course description

The course provides students with experience in evaluating and communicating scientific texts as well as the practical and theoretical knowledge related to the various stages of the research process.

The course is mandatory for all students.

The language of the course is Norwegian.

None.

Knowledge

The student has

• in-depth knowledge about the different philosophy of science perspectives on what constitutes knowledge
• advanced knowledge about the philosophy of science basis for library and information science as a field of study
• specialised insight into criteria for research quality and for ethically sound research
• specialised knowledge about important quantitative and qualitative methods for the collection, processing and analysis of research data
• practical and theoretical knowledge about the stages of a research project, from developing a research question to reporting and publication

Skills

The student is capable of

• evaluating the quality of existing research and relating it to the philosophy of science basis for library and information science
• articulating research issues and research questions and relating them to relevant choices of methods
• planning and developing an individual, limited research project in the form of a master¿s thesis

General competence

The student

• can discuss criteria for assessing research quality both in writing and orally
• can design a research project of similar size and scope as an MA thesis and share their reflections both in writing and orally

The course is organised as a series of four sessions over three days.

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

1. The students must complete a group assignment relating to a quality evaluation of library and information science research projects. There will be 3-6 students in each group. Supervision is given by other students (peer-to-peer learning), meaning that two groups give each other feedback. The groups will subsequently submit a written assignment of four pages.
2. Another coursework requirement is that the students present their individual research project (see form of assessment) orally during the fourth session and that they act as opponents for each other. Additional supervision is provided by a lecturer during this presentation. No other kind of supervision is offered. .

All required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline in order for the student to take the exam.

In the event of sickness absence, the first coursework requirement will be approved as long as the student participates in the written assignment. In the event of sickness absence during the fourth session, the responsibility of acting as opponent is observed by the students in question communicating directly outside of the sessions and conveying the communication to the lecturer. The lecturer will not provide supervision outside of the sessions.

The form of assessment is an individual written assignment (10-12 pages), where the student must develop an independent research project. Font and font size: Arial/Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5. The assignment must be viewed as a preparatory exercise for the master's thesis, and will be presented in more detail during the first session.

Students awarded a fail grade are given one opportunity to submit an improved version of the assignment/portfolio for assessment

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

Pass/fail

All exam papers are assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

Anita Sandberg