Scientific Methods 3-Quantitative and Qualitative Methods, 9 credits

For admission to the course, it is required that the student has managed at least 105 HE credits from Semester 1-4.

The course is included in a scientific streak which includes total of 15 HE credits that runs in parallel with the study programme. The general aim with the scientific streak is to provide the student knowledge research methodology and skills in scientific working methods. The specific aims of this course, Scientific methods 3, are to give the student basic knowledge in quantitative and qualitative methods and statistics as well as good preparation for subsequent science courses in the streak.

The expected learning outcomes of the course
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• explain scientific theoretical concepts and different research traditions within the audiological subject area
• explain and define different qualitative and quantitative methods and concepts
• apply statistical methods and hypothesis tests in calculations and arguments
• produce a project idea that can lead to a degree project
• report the project ideas with an abstract and in poster form. Focus on hypothesis and research question as well as study design with quantitative or qualitative methods

The course consists of three modules:

This module gives an introduction to scientific concepts, so to give an understanding of the different research traditions that exist within the audiological subject area. Furthermore, evidence-based research method is treated. The module contains lectures about basic scientific concepts with a focus on qualitative methodology. Seminar and group assignments on interview techniques, collection of data and data processing of interviews, evidence-based research and ethics.

This module focuses on quantitative methods with an emphasis on descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing linked to the subject area audiology. The module is examined in the form of a take-home examination.

This module contains seminar and group assignments on collection of data and data processing of questionnaires. Advanced study in an optional part of the main field of study audiology based on scientific articles and literature in the area and practical work in a smaller pilot project. The project work gives practice in how to plan and set up a study. The project work is presented in the form of a poster. As a support for the pilot project and the design of the project idea, a follow-up database literature search exercise is carried out, in for example pubmed, web of science at the KI libraries.

Lectures, group assignments, exercises in the form of math tutoring and computer lab, and seminars.

Group assignments, computer lab and seminars are compulsory. If absent from a compulsory part, the student is responsible for contacting the course coordinator for complementary assignments.

The course coordinator decides how absence from compulsory course elements can be made up. Study results cannot be reported until the student has participated in compulsory course elements or compensated for any absence in accordance with instructions from the course coordinator. Absence from a compulsory course element could mean that the student can not retake the element until the next time the course is offered.

Scientific concepts and research methodology 1.5 credits
Active participation in compulsory seminars
Self-tests about scientific theoretical concepts

Quantitative methodology and statistics 4.5 credits
Self-tests about statistical concepts
An individual take-home examination with application of statistical methods based on articles

Pilot project and Project idea 3 credits
An oral poster presentation of the independently implemented project work including the project idea, hypothesis and problem specification in preparation for Scientific methods 4 and the Degree Project.

For a Pass grade in the course, attendance and active participation in compulsory parts are also required. Students who do not pass a regular examination are entitled to re-sit the examination on five more occasions. Each time the course is offered, one regular examination and two additional examinations are given. Each occasion the student participates in the same test counts as an examination. Supplementary addition to a written assignment is counted as one examination. Submission of a blank exam paper is regarded as an In case a student is registered for an examination but does not attend, this is not regarded as an examination.
 

Examination may take place under the previous reading list during a period of one year after the renewal of the reading list. Examination will be provided during a period of two years after a close-down of the course.

The course has been discontinued and was given for the last time in the autumn semester 2016. Examination according to this syllabus will be given for the last time in the autumn semester 2024 for students who have not completed the course with a passing result.

The course evaluation will be carried out according to the guidelines that are established by the Board of education. The course evaluation will be carried out both through a written course evaluation at the end of the course, and through an oral course forum at least once in connection with the course, during which the students can state their opinions.