Quantitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course consists of two parts.

Part 1: Scientific method and analysis of data
The role that probability theory and statistical philosophy plays within scientific method is discussed with the aim of noting their role in various research strategies. The focus is to provide an understanding of statistical reasoning within data analysis and research. The measurement level's importance for different statistical analyses is emphasized and the normal distribution's relevance for statistical analyses is discussed. Analysis methods discussed are comparison of two or more groups, relationships between variables, and model-based analysis (different types of regression analysis, e.g., linear, logistic, and Cox regression).

Part 2: Independent work
The students work on a project in which they will independently analyze data. The work is usually performed in pairs. Tutoring is offered. The project is presented orally and discussed on a seminar and with a written final report. The students should also review, evaluate, and discuss other students' projects.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
Student must be able to:
- explain relevant statistical terminology
- explain the role of statistics in scientific method
- explain basic statistical analysis

Skills and abilities
Student must be able to:
- apply the statistical methods covered in the course
- orally and in writing, in English, present results of performed analyses

Ability to evaluate and approach
Student must be able to:
- discuss, in English, the application of basic statistical methodology in scientific articles.
- critically review and discuss, in English, results of performed data analyses.

Required Knowledge

University: 90 Credits.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.
 

Form of instruction

The teaching is a combination of lectures, web lectures, lessons, computer lessons, and tutorials.
 

Examination modes

The examination consists of an article seminar and a written individual home exam (Part 1) and oral and written presentations of the independent work as well as an opposition of another group's work (Part 2). The grades for the written individual home exam are: Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG). The grades for the other examinations are Fail (U) or Pass (G).  

Grades on the course are awarded when students have passed all examinations in the course. The grade is a comprehensive evaluation of the results of the various parts of the examinations and is not granted until all mandatory tasks have been passed.

A student who has passed an examination is not allowed to take another examination in order to get a higher grade. For students who do not pass, an additional test will be held according to a pre-determined schedule.

A student that has failed an examination on two occasions has a right to have another examiner or grading teacher appointed, unless there are special reasons against it. A written request addressed to the Director of Studies should be made no later than two weeks before the next examination opportunity.

Examinations based on the same course syllabus as the ordinary examinations are guaranteed to be offered up to two years after the date of the student's first registration for the course.

Adaptations
Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaptation of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaptation of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination - and have received a decision on the right to support from the coordinator at the Student Services Office for students with disabilities - must submit a request to the department holding the course within the stipulated time before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaptation of the examination, after which the student will be notified.

Academic credit transfer
Academic credit transfers are according to the university credit transfer regulations.

Other regulations

The course is given and examined in English.