Quantitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences, 7.5 Credits

Contents

Part 1: Scientific method and analysis of data
Part 2: Independent work

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, logistics, and Cox regression).

Part 2: Independent work
The students work on a project in which they will independently analyze. The work is usually performed in pairs. Tutoring is offered. The project is orally presented 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
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

Skills and abilities
After the course, the student will
- be able to apply the statistical methods covered in the course
- be able to present, written and orally, result from statistical analyses

Ability to evaluate and approach
After the course, the student will
- be able to critically evaluate the use of basic statistical methods in scientific articles
- 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 lectures, web lectures, lessons, computer lessons and tutorials.
 

Examination modes

The examination consists of a written individual home exam (Part 1) and through oral and written presentations of the independent 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 independent work are Fail (U) or Pass (G).  Deadlines will be set for all examinations. Any supplementation of assignments should be completed within two weeks of the end of the course.

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.