Scientific design and method, 7.5 credits

The courses in the program should be taken in the order stated in the programme curriculum. For admission to a higher semester, a student may have no more than 15 credits outstanding from the previous semester.

In this course, the student should plan and carry out a scientific project plan in preparation for the degree project in the main field of study occupational therapy in semester 6. The student applies the research process e g by formulating research questions. The research process includes using methods for data collection and analysis within qualitative and quantitative design. Critical reflection and review of research literature on internal and external validity is also included. On completion of the course, the student should have acquired advanced knowledge in scientific design and methodology, and thus be able to independently plan and carry out a research-oriented degree project of 15 credits in the main subject area occupational therapy.

Intended learning outcomes On completion of the course the student should be able to independently;

• collect and process qualitative and quantitative data based on scientific theories and methods (module 1)
• apply knowledge of research questions, design, methodology and the research process by writing a scientific project plan for a degree project (part 2)
• describe and reflect on internal and external validity based on the chosen method in the plan (module 2)

The course consists of 2 modules and build on modules in scientific methods and theories from earlier semesters within the occupational therapy programme.

Module 1 Methods for data collection and data processing, 4 credits (Methods for data collection and analyse)

Module 2 Minor essay for a research-oriented degree project, 3.5 credits (Outline for a planned research study)

The course has its educational foundation in a problem-oriented working method where the conditions for an active student engagement are created. The tuition forms vary between lectures, proficiency training, work in study groups, supervision, processing of literature and seminars. See the pedagogical platform of the Study Programme in Occupational Therapy on the programme web page.

The course is examined according to the following:

Module 1 is examined through:
· an analysis of qualitative data in the form of a written report (in groups) and oral presentation of the group work at a seminar session
· a processing and analysis of quantitative data in the form of a written report (in groups) and oral presentation of the group work at a seminar session

In both examinations, all students in the course should actively reflect and participate in the discussions at the seminars. Grading scale: Pass/Fail

Module 2 In module 2, the students' written project plans for the degree project are examined at a seminar. Grading scale: Pass with distinction/Pass/Fail

For the grade Pass in the whole course (7.5 credits) is required that all grading seminars have been carried out and that the pass grade has been achieved in all subparts. To pass the course with distinction, apart from a pass in module 1, the pass with distinction grade is required in module 2.

All examinations, seminars and laboratory sessions are compulsory. In case of absence, an agreement is made between the student and the responsible teacher concerning compensation of the absence. The examinations included in the course are conducted according to established assessment criteria.

Re-examination takes place on five occasions, at most. These are determined together with the examiner.

Examination will be provided during 2 years after any discontinuation of the course or the introduction of a new syllabus.

Course evaluation Course evaluation is carried out, on completion of the course, in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Education at Karolinska Institutet. A course report with an analysis of the results of the course evaluation will be posted on the course web page after the completion of the course evaluation.