Theory of Science, methods and statistics (IDR332)

Content

• Theoretical foundation of various scientific traditions
• Research ethics
• Key study designs and measurement methods (observation, questionnaires, interviews, measurements)
• Validity and reliability
• Basic statistical concepts and analyses
• Basic methods for text analysis
• Academic writing, literature search, and referencing
• Software: Microsoft Excel, Nvivo, and IBM SPSS

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate should have knowledge of:

• Fundamental central issues in the philosophy of science
• Research ethics guidelines
• Scientific methods related to sports research
• Basic statistical concepts and analyses
• Analyses of qualitative research interviews

Skills

The candidate should be able to:

• Formulate research questions (problem statements) and hypotheses based on theory and previous research: This skill is essential in various professions where problem-solving and research are central, such as market analysis, product development, and academic or applied research roles.
• Analyze and interpret qualitative data using Nvivo: Proficiency in qualitative data analysis is highly relevant in fields such as human resources, marketing, user experience research, and social sciences, where understanding human behavior and attitudes is crucial.
• Analyze, present, and interpret descriptive statistics: The ability to work with statistics is valuable in professions that involve data-driven decision-making, such as business analysis, healthcare, economics, and sports performance analysis.
• Present qualitative and quantitative data in a clear and structured manner: Effectively presenting data is a key skill in business, research, and education, where clear communication of findings is important for stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Use SPSS and Excel for appropriate statistical calculations: Skills in these software programs are broadly applicable in fields such as finance, healthcare, sports science, and academic research, where statistical analysis is a core task.
• Write reports with formatting and referencing according to current standards: The ability to produce professional reports is critical in many sectors, including academia, consultancy, and any roles involving the presentation of research findings or project results to stakeholders.

General Competence

The candidate should be able to:

• Communicate and discuss ethical considerations related to research
• Apply the main principles of scientific thinking and methods
• Critically evaluate various written sources with regard to methodological challenges and the use of statistics

Required prerequisite knowledge

Exam

Coursework requirements

Mandatory Attendance (80%)

Student presentations and assignments in this course require active guidance, and thus it is expected that students participate actively in the teaching. Developing the bachelor's thesis necessitates ongoing dialogue with schools, selected students, and conducting fieldwork. Students are required to engage thoroughly with the course material, as this is an integral part of the educational process. Therefore, a minimum of 80% attendance in the classes is required.

Six individual assignments/student presentations will be prepared. These assignments are designed to help students complete the home exam, which has a scope of 4000 words +/- 10%. The assignments will be carried out during class sessions.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Course teacher:

Course teacher:

Study Program Director:

Study Adviser:

Method of work

Lectures, group work, student presentations, and self-study.

The scheduling of student activities for 15 ECTS = 413 hours of activity.

Open for

Course assessment

Literature