Collecting and organizing data, 7.5 credits

A Bachelor's degree or a professional degree equivalent to a Swedish Bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits in public health science, healthcare or other relevant social sciences subject area. And proficiency in English equivalent to English B/English 6.

The aim of the course is to provide both theoretical and practical skills on questionnaires and interviews as data collection methods as well as an orientation of how to handle collected data in a structured way.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- Understand key theoretical concepts regarding survey methodology, data collection and questionnaire design
- Comprehend and utilize the basic principles of sampling (i.e. sample size calculation and sample selection methods) in cross-sectional surveys
- Design and pilot-test a questionnaire for a survey on a specific topic (individual assignment)
- Plan and execute a study using face-to-face, telephone or internet survey methods (group assignment)
- Build a dataset, and enter and administer collected data in the SPSS software

The course gives theoretical and practical knowledge and skills around, questionnaires and interviews as data collection methods, within the public health field. The first week of the course will cover the most important theoretical issues regarding survey methodology, data collection, and questionnaire design. During the second, third and first part of the fourth week most time will be devoted to work on group and individual assignments. The second part of week four will cover various topics including sampling selection, sample size calculation, and response rates. The last week will be used for the presentations of group and individual assignments, and for the final exam. PING PONG will be used to provide instructions and feedback for the assignments, and also to upload relevant materials. The purpose of the individual assignment is to design and pre-test a questionnaire, and to build the corresponding database based on your research interest. The purpose of the group assignment is to get a practical experience of the process of survey design and data collection.

A combination of techniques will be used depending on the specific topics aiming to engage students in the teaching-learning process to promote reflective thinking and active collaborative education following a deep approach to learning. This includes the individual and group assignments, peer assessment, but also interactive and traditional lectures, and computer labs using the SPSS software to build a dataset, to enter and administer data, and to perform basic analyses.

The examination will consist of three components:
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a. Individual assignment and presentation graded as fail, pass, and pass with distinction.
b. Group assignment and presentation graded as fail, pass and pass with distinction assessed by the responsible lecturer
c. Individual written final exam graded fail (<65%) pass (65-89%), and pass with distinction (90% or more)

To obtain the final grade pass on the course, the student must be awarded at least pass on all three examination components. To obtain the grade pass with distinction the student must be awarded pass with distinction in all three components.

Compulsory participation
. Participation in the individual and group work is compulsory. The course director assesses if and, in that case, how absence can be compensated. Before the student has participated in all compulsory parts or compensated absence in accordance with the course director's instructions, the student's results for the course/respective part will not be registered in LADOK.

Limitation of number of occasions to write the exam:
The student has the right to write the exam six times. If the student has not passed the exam after four participations he/she is encouraged to visit the study counselor.

The number of times that the student has participated in one and the same examination is regarded as an examination session. Submission of a blank examination is regarded as an examination. An examination for which the student registered but not participated in will not be counted as an examination.

 
The course has been cancelled and was offered for the last time during the autumn 2016. Examination will be provided until December 2020 for students who have not completed the course.

Course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Education.

The course language is English.