COURSE SYLLABUS
Theory of Science and Scientific Method, 15 credits
Theory of Science and Scientific Method, 15 högskolepoäng
Course Code: HTSR25
Confirmed by: Utbildningsrådet Feb 16, 2015
Revised by: Department head Jun 13, 2016
Valid From: Aug 29, 2016
Version: 2
Reg number:2016/2363 (313) Avdelningen för rehabilitering/Department of Rehabilitation
Education Cycle: Second-cycle level
Disciplinary domain: Health sciences
Subject group: TR1
Specialised in: A1N
Main field of study: Occupational Therapy

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

Skills and abilities

Judgement and approach

Contents

Philosophical principles of research and approaches of theory of science
- approaches in theory of science
- critical review of scientific articles
- research ethics
Research approaches
- research design within quantitative research methods
- research design within qualitative research methods
- data collection, analysis and presentation using a quantitative, qualitative or combined research methods

Type of instruction

The course is given as a web-based distance course.

The teaching is conducted in English.

Prerequisites

Bachelor’s degree (i.e the equivalent of 180 ECTS credits at an accredited university) within health and caring sciences, behavioural science, social work, or educational sciences (or the equivalent).

Examination and grades

The course is graded A, B, C, D, E, FX or F.

Module 1. Philosophical principles of research and approaches of theory of science, 3 Credits
One written group assignment.
Module 2. Quantitative research methods, 5 Credits
Two individually written assignments.
Module 3. Qualitative research methods, 5 Credits
One written group assignment and one individually written assignment.
Module 4. Thesis proposal, 2 Credits
An assignment and a presentation of a thesis proposal with a quantitative, qualitative or combined research method.
Examination by assistant professor.

Registration of examination:
Name of the TestValueGrading
Philosophical principles of res. and appr. of theor. science3 creditsA/B/C/D/E/FX/F
Quantitative research methods5 creditsA/B/C/D/E/FX/F
Qualitative research methods5 creditsA/B/C/D/E/FX/F
Thesis proposal2 creditsA/B/C/D/E/FX/F

Other information

Attendance requirements
Mandatory attendance at online seminars.

Course literature

American Psychological Association. (2009). Publication Manual of the American Psycho-
logical Association. Washington, D.C.: The Association cop.
Belenky, M., Clinchy, B., Goldberger, N., & Tarule, J. (1997). Womens Ways of Knowing: The Development of Self, Vioice and Mind 10th Anniversery Edition. New York: Basic Books.
Creswell, J.W. (2013). Research design. London: SAGE Publications Inc.
Day, R. A. (1998). How to Write & Publish a Scientific Paper. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Kessel, F., Rosenfield, P. L., & Anderson, N. B. (Eds.). (2008). Interdisciplinary Research: Case Studies from Health and Social Science. Oxford: University Press.
Kvale, S., & Brinkmann, S. (2008). InterViews: Learning the Craft of Qualitative Research Interviewing. Thousand Oaks: SAGE publications.
Okasha, S. (2016) Philosophy of Science: Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Oliver, P. (2010). The Student’s Guide to Research Ethics. United Kingdom: Open University Press.
Palant, J. (2014). The SPSS Survival Manual. United Kingdom: Open University Press.
Portney, G. L., & Watkins, M. (2013). Foundations of Clinical Research. United Kingdom: Pearson Education.
Latest edition of textbooks to be used.
In addition: scientific articles and reports depending on main area and chosen research method.