Scientific Perspective and Methodology, 15 credits
The course is discontinued
Contents
The course covers Scientific Methods from a broad perspective, with regard to the diversity of approaches and applications through the integration of theory, and practical exercises within design and communication. The course focus on quality assessment of observational studies in order to compile evidence based knowledge for different audiences. It includes collaboration with the community. The course begins with the concepts of causality and evidence, and then follows a literature databases search, as well as the electronic and systematic storage of scientific literature in scientific communication (oral presentation, poster presentation, grant application and journal publication). Validity and generalization of research results are discussed in detail. The students will be documenting in a written report and a verbal presentation.
Expected learning outcomes
After completing this course the student will be able to: Have a deeper knowledge of the concepts of scientific causality, evidence, validity and generalization. Conduct a systematic review in line with the international guidelines of meta-analysis. Conduct advanced scientific literature searches in databases and use software for systematic storage of literature and understand the publication process from a meta-perspective. Present research information orally and constructed posters targeted at different audiences. Write a grant application for research fundings and assess primary scientific studies with a good understanding of the critical elements that should be considered. Have knowledge of ethical principles and apply them in their own area by identifying and assessing relevant issues. Explain the possibilities and limitations of various experimental, quasi-experimental, and epidemiological designs and methods for risk analysis.
Required Knowledge
Univ: 90 credits (Higher Education Credits/ hp) in any subject. English proficiency equivalent to IELTS Academic Training -minimum score 5 with no individual score below 4,5 (Tests taken before January 2005 not admissible) or TOEFL -minimum score 500 on paper based test and not below 4.0 on the TWE, alternatively 173 on computer based test and ibt 61 is also required as well as basic entrance requirements for higher studies in Swedish language proficiency if the course is taught in Swedish.
Form of instruction
The teaching consists of lectures, practical exercises, seminars and tutorials.
Examination modes
The examinations are written exam, participation in seminars, scientific reports and oral presentation of a project. For the written exam the grades are: Fail, Pass, Pass with distinction. Students can do five examinations for up to two years after course registration. To pass its required that all examinations and compulsory modules are approved. Grades are assessed by the results of examinations from the different parts, and are only given when all mandatory elements are approved. Students who do not pass the examination are able to apply for supplementary examination according to the Code of rules and procedures for the undergraduate education. A student who has failed twice on a course, or part of a course, are entitled to have another examiner, unless there are special reasons against it (the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6. § 22). Requests for new examiners are made to Board for undergraduate education at the Department of Psychology. This syllabus will be considered at least twice, for up to two years, after the course registration. Exceptions to this rule can be made, for example when the course has had fundamental scientific changes. BE GIVEN CREDITS FOR PREVIOUS STUDIES Crediting is always tested individually. The Department of Psychology will provide the necessary application form. Applications should be sent to Registrator (Registrator, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden) by the student, where it will receive a number and distributed to accurate department. The Study Advisor will prepare the application, and the Director of Studies makes the judgment. Decisions are made within two months. The application shall state witch part and/or course the student are applying for. The application should attach certified copies of course certificates, transcripts or equivalent; where the Department/University, Date, Subject Area, ECTS and Grades can be found. In addition to that the syllabus, including a list of the literature used, and where appropriate paper work, is attached.
Other regulations
Before the course starts, we expect the student to have knowledge within scientific method and design, corresponding for example Graziano, A. M., och Raulin, M. (5th ed.) (2003). Research Methods: A Process of Inquiry. New York: Addison Wesley Longman.
Literature
Valid from: 2010 week 35
Fumerton Richard A.
Epistemology
Malden, MA :
Blackwell Pub. :
2006 :
x, 145 p. :
ISBN: 1405125667
Search the University Library catalogue
Howell David C.
Statistical methods for psychology
7. ed. :
Belmont, CAb Wadsworth Publishing Company,c cop. 2010 :
Wadsworth Publishing Company :
cop. 2010 :
768 s. :
ISBN: 0-495-59784-8
Search the University Library catalogue
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Checklists for planning and writing a grant application
2007 :
Publication manual of the American Psychological Association
6. ed. :
Washington, D.C. :
American Psychological Association :
cop. 2010, [eg. 2009] :
xviii, 272 p. :
ISBN: 978-1-4338-0561-5 (pbk)
Search the University Library catalogue
Experimental and quasi-experimental designs for generalized causal inference
Shadish W. R., Cook T. D., Campbell D. T.
Boston :
Houghton Mifflin :
cop. 2002 :
xxi, 623 s. :
ISBN: 0-395-61556-9
Search the University Library catalogue
Audi Robert
The Cambridge dictionary of philosophy
2. ed. :
Cambridge :
Cambridge University Press :
1999 :
xxxv, 1001 s. :
ISBN: 0-521-63136-X (inb.)
Search the University Library catalogue
The Economic and Social Researh Council
Research ethics framework
Swindon, UK :
ESRC :
2008 :