PHDH903 Research design and methods

Contents and structure

The course provides an in-depth understanding of the epistemological basis for qualitative and quantitative methods, and how the methods are relevant to research in the health sciences. Challenges related to interdisciplinary and interdisciplinary research will be emphasized. Key research designs with different methodological approaches and combinations of these (triangulation) are reviewed, including methods for data production. Common qualitative, statistical and epidemiological methods of analysis are related to central research designs. Issues that affect the quality of research are also discussed in the topic. In the qualitative methodological approach the course focuses on credibility, validity and transferability. In quantitative methodology, the course focuses on validity, reliability and generalizability.

Learning Outcome

After completing the course, the student will have the following total learning outcome:

Knowledge:
The student ...

• Has extensive knowledge of cross-scientific research approaches
• Has an in-depth understanding of how human scientific and natural science methodological approaches give different contributions to understanding the phenomenon examined
• can apply and assess the appropriateness of qualitative and quantitative research design and research methods
• Has extensive knowledge of how complex contexts can be analyzed

Skills:
The student ...

• Can formulate research issues, issues and hypotheses to plan and conduct research
• Knows how to assess and advocate the research design and analysis method
• Can reflect critically over and discuss research results
• Can deal with complex and cross-scientific academic issues

General competence:
The student ...

• Has the expertise to analyze specific challenges related to health, function and participation by using cross-scientific research approaches
• Can convey and discuss various research methods constructively and critically
• Can exercise their research with a high degree of academic integrity and ethical high standards
• Can relate their research to the entirety of research in the field

Entry requirements

Master's degree with 120 ECTS credits or equivalent in relevant academic fields.

Number of participants: The course requires a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 20 participants. Furthermore, the number of PhD students participating must be 50% or more of the total number of participants.

Recommended previous knowledge

Knowledge in scientific theory and ethics is recommended. 

Teaching methods

The course combines seminars and online working methods. Work methods include lectures, teamwork and guidance. Part of the learning resources, including instructional videos and exercises, will be conducted online. A digital learning platform is used in the course. The exam starts at the same time as the course, and the student will receive individual and group-based guidance from fellow students and teachers.

Each student will write a draft paper on research design and methods with relevance to their own project. The draft will be made available to a smaller group of fellow students (3-5 students) who all read portions of each other's essays. Each student receives one essay which they should give feedback on. The essay should be finished by the last seminar, when each student presents their essay (10 minutes). An opponent gives feedback (10 minutes), followed by 10 minutes of feedback from other fellow students and teachers. The final essay will be handed in as exam paper 10 days after the last seminar.

Compulsory learning activities

None.

Assessment

Task
In the form of a scientific paper on research design and methodological aspects that are relevant for the student's PhD project. The written paper must be a maximum of 3500 words.

Grading
Pass / fail

If failing to pass, a second exam date allows for an improved version of the essay to be handed in.

Examination support material

Not applicable

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