Research Methods

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The course will give the students an overview of and insight into research design and research methods. The subject also provides an introduction to research ethics, including using the knowledge in concrete research. The aim of the course is to make the student better able to make research strategic decisions related to the choice of topic, research questions, design, methods, ethical issues and analytical approaches in psychological research.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

The student can...

  • Critically discuss key characteristics of different research paradigms.
  • Understand the choice of research topic and problem and their significance for design and methods for data collection.
  • Differentiate between different analyzes and know when they can and should be used.
  • Dealing with key ethical considerations linked to the implementation of a project.

Skills

The student can...

  • Choose a research topic and design issues that can be investigated using research methods.
  • Design a research scheme that includes the collection and production of data.
  • use standard computer software.
  • Select and carry out adequate analyzes of data.

General competence

The student can...

  • Make research strategic decisions in psychological research.
  • Carry out a research project in line with current ethical standards and guidelines.
  • Reflect on ethical dilemmas and challenges in psychological research and being compliant in research.

ECTS Credits

15

Level of Study

Master's degree level

Semester of Instruction

Spring

Place of Instruction

Bergen
Required Previous Knowledge
No requirements beyond admission to the master's program in psychology and the master's program in occupational and organizational psychology.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
None
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
None
Access to the Course

Registration for the course requires admission to the master's program in psychology and the master's program in work and organizational psychology.

For exchange students, the student has to be accepted in an exchange program at the University of Bergen.

Teaching and learning methods
Lectures and exercises in the PC lab. Group work and presentation within the subject of study design and research ethics. Exercises in analysis
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Oral group presentation:

A mandatory oral presentation for the group assignment, where all group members must participate on the scheduled presentation day.

Submission of assignments:

For each lab session, students must submit assignments, four in total. These assignments contain practical exercises related to statistical analysis methods covered in the lab.

Mandatory attendance:

Attendance is mandatory for the lab sessions and the presentation day.

Forms of Assessment

Assessment form:

The assessment consists of a portfolio evaluation and an oral exam. Each part counts for 50% of the total grade, and both parts must be passed.

If a student fails one of the exams, only the exam that was not passed needs to be retaken. The course is assessed as pass/fail.

Portfolio exam (50%):

The portfolio exam consists of two individual assignments that focus on both theoretical concepts and research methods, as well as experimental design.

Final oral exam (50%):

An oral exam with a focus on statistics and research methods.

Grading Scale
Approved/not approved
Assessment Semester
Spring
Reading List

The literature list will be ready by 01.07 for the autumn semester and 01.12 for the spring semester.

The literature is in English, to reflect the research-oriented profile of this course

Course Evaluation
The students must evaluate the teaching in line with UiB's quality assurance system.
Examination Support Material
None
Course Coordinator
Department of Psychosocial Science