Theory of Science, Ethics, Methods and Research Design

Ph.D. -course

Course description

Course content

Contents

  • Theory of science (including philosophy of science)
  • Research ethics
  • Research methods/design

General learning objectives

The aim of the course is to introduce and include PhD candidates to the professional academic community and to stimulate their development as innovative and high-quality researchers. Throughout the course the candidates will work on developing an understanding of the presuppositions of science (theory and philosophy of science) and research ethics, and how these topics apply and could be developed within their own field of research. Further, the candidates will learn how to select appropriate research design and methodology.

Learning outcomes

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

Knowledge

After completion of the course, the candidate:

  • Understands different definitions and aims of science
  • Has advanced knowledge about the application of philosophy of science in psychological, health and educational sciences and how it can improve the quality of such research
  • Has insight into the ethical challenges and considerations in psychological, health and educational sciences
  • Can evaluate the appropriateness and application of different methodological approaches (i.e., quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods)
  • Has specific knowledge about the application and interpretation of Norwegian laws and regulations governing researchers¿ responsibilities regarding data security and data storage
  • Has specific knowledge about the application and interpretation of Norwegian laws and regulations governing research ethics and health research

Skills

After completion of the course, the candidate:

  • Can develop and discuss the philosophical, cultural and social basis of their own research project, as well as that of other candidates at the course
  • Can present and discuss issues related to theory of science, research ethics and/or research design/methodology in a written format.
  • Can evaluate the quality of empirical data and research
  • Can evaluate scientific publications in terms of the relation between problem, design, method, data and conclusion

General competence

After completion of the course, the candidate:

  • Can identify and reflect on important theoretical, methodological and ethical challenges and dilemmas within their own research field, including researcher visibility, funding issues, and dissemination of findings
  • Can identify and master theoretical, methodological and ethical challenges and dilemmas in other areas of psychological, health and educational sciences

Study period

Spring term each year.

Credits (ECTS)

8 ETCS
Language of instruction
English or Norwegian
Pre-requirements
Master Degree or equivalent in disciplines relevant to educational sciences, psychology and/or public health.
Compulsory Requirements

Compulsory assignments and attendance:

  • At least one ethical question that can be discussed by the course ethics panel
  • At least one question regarding science and practice that can be discussed by a course panel
  • 80 % attendance of the lectures, seminars, group work and demonstrations/ practical activities
  • A short essay (400-600 words), consisting of a brief description of a student's project
  • Written supervision on a paper draft including a plan (800-1000 words) for the paper for the course
Form of assessment

The evaluation procedures of the Faculty of Psychology will be applied.

Pass or Fail:

  • Approval of a paper (3000 - 6000 words) reflecting on relevant theoretical or empirical aspects of the candidate's project. The paper is to be evaluated ("accepted"/"revise and resubmit"). See a separate document for specific information about the requirements of the paper.
  • Pass with 80 % attendance of the lectures, seminars and group work and demonstrations/ practical activities, submission of essay and approval of course paper.
Who may participate
The course is primarily for doctoral candidates at the Faculty of Psychology. The maximum number of participants is 25. External candidates may apply and will be able to participate if accepted by the course coordinator.
Supplementary course information

Teaching Methods:

Based on a summary of the candidates' own research proposal, theoretical or empirical challenges will be discussed during the course. The aim is that the course will contribute to identifying and clarifying theoretical or empirical aspects (philosophical, ethical, and methodological) of the candidates' projects. In addition, the course aims at providing a general building, relevant across different research projects and academic traditions. The course contains lectures, seminars, group work, panel discussions and demonstrations/ practical activities.

Before the start of PS901 there will be a 1-day introduction lecture in philosophy. This lecture is voluntary. It is not a formal part of PS901. The intention is to provide some background for students with no (or little) background in philosophy. It is open for all course attendees upon registration.

Reading list
A reading list is provided for the course.