Completing the course will give the candidates will following learning outcome, sectioned into knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

The Student

has deepened knowledge of various philosophy of science and knowledge-based principles and of hermeneutical traditions of textual interpretation
has specialized insights concerning the implications of the general theory of science debate for one's own field of study
has advanced knowledge of essential characteristics of qualitative and quantitative research designs and research methods
has profound knowledge of how data are generated in qualitative research projects
has advanced knowledge of different analytical perspectives and how these are used in qualitative research
has profound knowledge of principles for generating quantitative data, as well as knowledge about the operationalization of variables and selection procedures in quantitative research projects
has advanced knowledge of concepts and analytical approaches in quantitative research traditions
has profound knowledge of current laws and guidelines for research ethics in either the humanities, social science or health science research tradition

Skills:

The Student

can reflect on science and knowledge traditions and critically assess their importance for research within one’s own field of study
can design an independent and limited research project in which science theory, qualitative and / or quantitative research methods are reflected and applied
can generate and analyze data according to scientific methods that are relevant for the candidate's own field of study
can evaluate and disseminate possibilites and limitations concerning qualitative, quantitative and textual analytical methods and assess contexts for their appropriate application
can evaluate and treat sources critically, and refer to applied research in a correct way
can identify and reflect on research ethical issues and apply research ethical guidelines when using qualitative and quantitative research methods

General Competence:

The Student

has deep knowledge of scientific argumentation and of different positions in contemporary academic debates
can apply methodological knowledge and knowledge of and skills in the theory of science on new academic areas
can analyze and critically reflect on research projects and the relevance of scientific articles for one’s own field of study
can evaluate and disseminate general research ethical requirements within either the humanities, social science or health science research tradition

Course description

Theory of Science, Research Methods and Research Ethics