Course Objectives

Through instruction and working with scientific theory and research methodology in course 3, students will acquire insight into the philosophical and methodological fundamentals of scientific research. The intention is that students will develop the ability to understand and reflect on the demands of scientific research, how knowledge is defined and how it is verified. In this way, they will be able to evaluate the premises for knowledge production, its limits and possibilities. This knowledge will also form a basis for launching and pursuing individual student research efforts, and will also facilitate critical reflection on the research of others. Through instruction in research ethics, students will acquire an understanding of the ethical standards which must be satisfied in the planning and execution of research projects. The course includes the following learning aims:

• Insight of the basic principles of scientific theory
• Knowledge of different research traditions
• Knowledge of instrument development
• Understanding of central concepts within the field of statistics
• The ability to present simple statisitical data
• Ethical awareness and knowledge of ethical standards

Course Description

Course 3 focuses on both the history of science and on normative scientific theory. An account will be given of research-ethical requirements and procedures related to the permission to collect, process and store data. The differences between various research traditions will be presented and discussed so that students will gain insight of various approaches that will provide the basis on which they will be able to make an informed choice of methodology when writing their own thesis.

The course includes the following themes:

• Scientific theory
• Research ethics
• Research methodology
• Statistics

Learning Methods

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, group work, seminars and individual work. The students will at the start-up of the course present their thoughts about their Master’s thesis. This will be done in a group with a supervisor. On the basis of discussion in the group, students will start work on their Master’s degree project. Suggestions and feedback from fellow students and the supervisor is a key part of this work process. Participation in the Master’s degree seminars is mandatory, as well as other seminars with student presentations.

Students will work on different assignments to improve their writing skills in relation to the course’s various topics.

Assessment Methods

Course code: 981HEMN3

Course 3: Scientific Theory, Research Methodology and Ethics

At the end of the course students must submit an individual assignment in statistics which will be assessed as pass/fail.

The assignment must recive a passing mark in order for the student to sit the individual examination in this course.

Course 3 will conclude with a 6-hour individual examination under supervision. Examination aids are not allowed.

The examination will be given a graded mark (A-F), and the grade will be entered on the diploma.

A Master’s degree project (5-7 pages) must be submitted. The project must specify the topic, thesis problem, choice of methodology and plan of study for the Master’s degree thesis. The project is mandatory and must be approved. On the basis of the approved project, students will be appointed a supervisor. The students may not begin their 2nd year of study before the project has been approved.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean