Main Field of Study and progress level:
Cognitive Science: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Psychology: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Grading scale: Three-grade scale
Responsible department: Department of Psychology
Revised by: Head of Department of Psychology, 2021-08-27
Contents
This course will teach how to plan and develop a scientific research design by focusing on the relation between theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, and central research questions. The course will also learn how to assess the most adequate relation between research questions, methods, techniques, and different types of empirical material. Conceptual, procedural and ethical considerations are also highlighted.
Expected learning outcomes
Upon succesful completion of the course, the students are expected to
- have a sound understanding of the basic principles of research design in behavioral sciences,
- be able to evaluate the robustness of research employing a range of different approaches and methods,
- have insights of strengths and limitations of experimental and quasi-experimental designs,
- increased competence in scientific communication
Required Knowledge
Univ: 90 credits (Higher Education Credits/ hp) in any subject.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT
(Paper-based Test) with a minimum total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Section).
Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
Form of instruction
The course is conducted on part time basis (50%). Focus of instruction will be lectures and seminars (see Content section above). All teaching will be in English.
Examination modes
Participants are required submit a written examination paper. Examination includes active participation in seminars and exercises. For the written exam the grades are: Fail, Pass, Pass with distinction. Students can do five examinations for up to two years after course registration. To pass its required that all examinations and compulsory modules are approved. Grades are assessed by the results of examinations from the different parts, and are only given when all mandatory elements are approved.
Students who do not pass the examination are able to apply for supplementary examination according to the Code of rules and procedures for the undergraduate education. A student who has failed twice on a course, or part of a course, are entitled to have another examiner, unless there are special reasons against it (the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6. § 22). Requests for new examiners are made to Board for undergraduate education at the Department of Psychology. This syllabus will be considered at least twice, for up to two years, after the course registration. Exceptions to this rule can be made, for example when the course has had fundamental scientific changes.
BE GIVEN CREDITS FOR PREVIOUS STUDIES
Crediting is always tested individually. The Department of Psychology will provide the necessary application form. Applications should be sent to Registrator (Registrator, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden) by the student, where it will receive a number and distributed to accurate department. The Study Advisor will prepare the application, and the Director of Studies makes the judgment. Decisions are made within two months. The application shall state witch part and/or course the student are applying for. The application should attach certified copies of course certificates, transcripts or equivalent; where the Department/University, Date, Subject Area, ECTS and Grades can be found. In addition to that the syllabus, including a list of the literature used, and where appropriate paper work, is attached.
Other regulations
Before the course starts, we expect the student to have knowledge within scientific method and design, corresponding for example Graziano, A. M., och Raulin, M. (5th ed.) (2003). Research Methods: A Process of Inquiry. New York: Addison Wesley Longman.
Publication manual of the American Psychological Association 6. ed. : Washington, D.C. : American Psychological Association : cop. 2010, [eg. 2009] : xviii, 272 p. : ISBN: 978-1-4338-0561-5 (pbk) Search the University Library catalogue
Experimental and quasi-experimental designs for generalized causal inference Shadish W. R., Cook T. D., Campbell D. T. Boston : Houghton Mifflin : cop. 2002 : xxi, 623 s. : ISBN: 0-395-61556-9 Mandatory Search the University Library catalogue
