Quantitative Methods, Research Planning and Applied Statistical Analysis

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

This is a specialization course in quantitative methods, research planning and applied statistical analysis. It offers an introduction to theory of knowledge and research methodologies, but gives emphasis to planning quantitative research and methods of statistical analysis of quantitative data within the social and health sciences. Students learn the fundamentals of writing a quantitative master¿s thesis proposal as well as the fundamental operations using SPSS.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course the students should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

The student will have in-depth knowledge of:

  • Different knowledge paradigms and explanatory models, and their implications for choice of methodological strategy
  • Key concepts and theories within quantitative and qualitative methodologies, mixed methods.
  • Ethical principles in research and their application in quantitative and qualitative research
  • The requirements for the master's thesis proposal
  • The appropriate use of a range of statistical methods/techniques
  • The interpretation of statistical analysis

Skills:

The student has the ability to:

  • Pose study questions that can be addressed using statistical methods, e.g., hypothesis testing
  • Model data using alternative approaches and decide on final approaches to an analysis
  • Annotate and interpret output from statistical analyses
  • Format tables and graphs that present statistical analyses
  • Design a research project and write a project plan

General competencies:

By the end of the course the student:

  • Can critically, analytically and systematically evaluate research literature (in both qualitative and quantitative methods)
  • Can think critically, reflectively and creatively about statistical analysis
  • Has methodological competencies for statistics-related skills problem-solving
  • Can choose appropriate statistical analyses given the nature of the study data

Full-time/Part-time

Full time

ECTS Credits

15 ECTS

Level of Study

Master's

Semester of Instruction

Spring
Required Previous Knowledge
Students must have completed the first semester of study in the master's program in Global Development Theory and Practice, Health Promotion and Health Psychology, Child Protection and Welfare or Child Welfare Work.
Access to the Course
Open to all students registered in the Master's Programmes at the Department of Health Promotion and Development.
Teaching and learning methods
The teaching methods will consist of lectures and seminars.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
  • 80% compulsory attendance in seminars
  • Submission of analyses done in SPSS, plus interpretation of results.
  • Development of project plan for master thesis
  • Presentation of own research project for fellow students
  • All activities must be completed and approved before the student's final exam kan be evaluated.

    Forms of Assessment

    Home exam, 5 days.

    NOTE: Text generated by ChatGPT and other AI text generators is not permitted in the submitted written work.

    Grading Scale
    A-F
    Assessment Semester
    Spring
    Reading List
    Will be made available on 1st December.
    Course Evaluation
    The course will be evaluated in accordance with the Faculty of Psychology's routines for participatory evaluation and the University of Bergen's Quality Assurance System.
    Programme Committee
    Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology
    Course Coordinator
    Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology.
    Course Administrator
    Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology.