Research Methods I
The aim of the course is to increase the participants’ understanding of research methods, to provide the necessary skills to critically evaluate research results, and to provide training in how to define relevant and researchable research questions.
Lectures and seminars cover the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods, as well as research ethics. Group exercises and individual assignments involve the critical analysis of research articles and the definition of a research question in relation to the current state of knowledge in a specific field of research.
The course covers the following topics:
- How to define a clear research question
- Experimental and non-experimental research designs
- Probability and statistical inference
- Internal validity
- Measurement and generalisability
- Research ethics.
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Course structure
As a registered student on this course you will find detailed course information and communication in the learning platform Athena. Login with your university account.
This course will be given in the third quarter of the autumn semester.
Course syllabus
Research Methods I, 7,5 credits, autumn 2023 (115 Kb)
Teaching format
Instruction is given in the form of lectures, group exercises and seminars. An oral presentation of the written report at a seminar is mandatory.
Learning outcomes
In order to pass the course, students are expected to be able to:
- understand and contribute to theoretical discussions on research methods, including ethical aspects of research and development work.
- critically evaluate the credibility and generalisability of conclusions from empirical studies.
- in written and oral presentations, summarise and evaluate the state of knowledge in a specific field of research.
- define a relevant research question that addresses a current knowledge gap, and convey these ideas in writing.
Assessment
The course is examined on the basis of a written examination and a written paper presented at a seminar.
Examiner
Course leader: Professor Mats Nilsson, mnn@psychology.su.se
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
A complete list of course readings is found in the course syllabus.
The list is subject to change until two months prior to the start of the course. In case the new course syllabus is missing above by then, please check with the course leader before you buy any expensive books etc.
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Course reports
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More information
This course is compulsory for the International two-year master’s program in psychology, 120 credits.
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Contact
Registered students should primarily use Athena for teacher communication.
To contact the Student office or a Student Councellor, see below.
Student office - Master's levelMadeleine ArnwaldStudy Councellor and Student Administrator
Study councellor - Master's level
