Quantitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences, 7.5 Credits

Contents

Part 1: Scientific method and observational studies
Part 2: Analysis of data
Part 3: Workshop
 
 
Part 1: Scientific method and observational studies
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. Issues discussed include the use of statistical inference (e.g. hypothesis testing and prediction) in scientific method as well as measurement processes, publication bias, negative results and causality. Also discussed is the nature of observational studies, prospective and retrospective studies, sampling methods, good and bad study designs, stratification, Simpson’s paradox and evaluation studies based on longitudinal data registers.
 
Part 2: Analysis of data
This part of the course primarily focuses on the 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 e.g. linear, logistics and cox).
 
Part 3: Workshop
In this part the students work on a project in which they will independently analyze data but tutoring is offered. The work is usually performed in pairs. The project is reported with a written final report and is also orally presented and discussed on a seminar.
 
 

Expected learning outcomes

After the course, the student will

• Have knowledge about relevant statistical terminology
• Have knowledge about the role of statistics in scientific method
• Have knowledge about basic statistical analysis
• Be able to apply the statistical methods covered in the course
• Be able to critically evaluate the statistical content in scientific articles
• Be able to present result from statistical analyses both written and oral
• Be able to critically review result from statistical analyses

Required Knowledge

University: Courses of the amount of 90 credits in social sciences. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B (English/6)
 

Form of instruction

The teaching is a combination of traditional teaching and blended-learning and consists of lectures, web lectures, lessons, computer lessons, seminars and tutorials.
Common elements in the first two parts of the course are seminars focused on interpretation of scientific articles, which include statistical analyses.
 
 

Examination modes

The examination consist of an individual home exam, active participation in mandatory seminars during Part 1 and Part 2 as well as through oral and written presentations of the independent work (Part 3). The grades for the individual home exam are: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). The grades for the other examinations are Fail (U), Pass (G).  Deadlines will be set for all examinations. Any supplementation of assignments should be completed within two weeks of the end of the module.
 
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.

After two failed examinations on the course, the student has the right to request another grading teacher. Writ­ten requests should be handed to the Director of Studies no later than two weeks before the date of the next exam­ination.

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.

Academic credit transfer

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