Research Methods and Theory of Science (MID400)

Content

The module is comprised of three focus areas: (i) qualitative methods, (ii) quantitative methods, and (iii) scientific theory and research ethics. Qualitative methods focus on approaches to conducting qualitative research, collection and analysis of qualitative data, and presenting such data in an appropriate manner to enhance the validity and reliability of qualitative findings. Quantitative methods focus on appropriate ways of selecting participants, collecting and analyzing data in cross sectional, longitudinal and in trial/experimental study designs. Scientific theory and research ethics focus on different scientific theories and philosophies in conducting both qualitative and quantitative research, and the consideration of ethical guidelines such as participant confidentiality. Statistics is part of quantitative methods and students will learn how to use statistical software such as SPSS when analyzing and interpreting data. Students will also be introduced to NVivo, a qualitative data analysis software program. The module is centered around research traditions in sports science, including the analysis of published scientific articles to aid students’ understanding of scientific and methodological assumptions and standards in the field. The module also places an emphasis on various research designs and data collection methods commonly used in sports science research.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate:

• Should have significant knowledge about the processes of planning and conducting qualitative and quantitative research and understand and apply the different research traditions in sports science research.
• Should be able to analyze relevant sports science research questions based on various scientific theories and philosophical positions.

Skills

The candidate:

• Should be able to plan and justify an appropriate research design and method for conducting an independent research project (master’s thesis).
• Should be able to analyze and evaluate scientific work in the field of sports science.
• Should be able to apply relevant research methods independently.

General competence

The candidate:

• Should be able to analyze and reflect on scientific work in general and in the field of sports science.
• Should be able to evaluate relevant research questions and document that ethical considerations and guidelines have been appropriately considered in research projects.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Coursework requirements

Gruppeoppgave kvantitativ metode, Gruppeoppgave kvalitativ metode, Individuell oppgave vitenskapsteori, Obligatorisk oppmøte på 80% på alle samlinger

Conditions for sitting the exams

There are three mandatory assignments which students must pass to sit exams at the end of term:

1. Individual assignment in scientific theory: written report of 2000 words +- 10%.  
2. Group assignment in qualitative methods: written report of 3000 words +- 10%.
3. Group assignment in quantitative methods: written report of 3000 words +- 10%.

Assessment evaluation: approved / not approved.

Students who have one or more of the assignments assessed as not approved on first submission are given the opportunity to resubmit the assignment(s) in an improved version. Students are not entitled to new tutoring hours when resubmitting.

Attendance at lectures is compulsory (80%).

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Sebastian Schanche Sandgren

Course teacher:

Sebastian Schanche Sandgren

Course teacher:

Sindre Mikal Dyrstad

Course teacher:

Shaher Ahmmad Ibrahim Shalfawi

Study Program Director:

Håvard Myklebust

Study Adviser:

Solveig Röwekamp

Method of work

The module is organized with lectures on 9 days over the course of the semester. Lectures come in bulks of 3 days over three separate weeks. There are various forms of work in the module, such as lectures, group work and online/remote support. A 15-credit module is stipulated at 400-450 working hours for the student.

Open for

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature