Education MA, Research Methodology, Design and Quantitative Methods, 7.5 credits

Aim

The course aims for the student to demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to first‑cycle education and, in addition to what applies at the first‑cycle level, to:


- further develop their ability to independently integrate and apply knowledge within the main field of Education,
- develop their ability to manage complex phenomena, issues, and situations,
- enhance their capacity for professional practice requiring a high degree of independence, or for research and development work within the main field of Education,
- acquire an overall understanding and some conceptual understanding of basic quantitative research methodology and advanced quantitative methods.

Course objectives

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of philosophy of science in educational research based on quantitative data,
• account for their knowledge and understanding of the main field of Education and demonstrate insight into current research,
• demonstrate advanced methodological knowledge within the main field of Education,
• critically, independently, and creatively identify and formulate scientific research questions, plan advanced research tasks within given time frames, and evaluate this work.

Content

The course discusses how quantitative methods are used to investigate educational research questions and how problem formulation and knowledge claims can be linked to issues of measurement, design, and analysis. The course addresses central quality criteria such as validity, reliability, and generalizability.

Entry requirements

A completed degree comprising at least 180 credits, including a 15‑credit independent project (degree project) in the main field of Education or an equivalent field, or a completed teacher qualification comprising at least 180 credits with a 15‑credit independent project (degree project). In addition, proficiency in Swedish and English is required at the level corresponding to the general entry requirements for first‑cycle higher education in Sweden.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Teaching may be conducted in the form of lectures, seminars, group exercises, and independent study. Instruction may be given in English and through various forms of communication.

Examination form

3001: Research Methodology, Scientific Design and Quantitative Methods, 7.5 Credits
Grade scale: Three-grade scale

The student is assessed through one written and one oral examination consisting of three assignments.

Sub-assignment 1 (1.5 credits) Analysis of quantitative research. Presented through an oral and written presentation (Fail/Pass/Pass with Distinction).

Sub-assignment 2 (3 credits) Application of statistical analysis using SPSS. Presented in a written assignment (Fail/Pass/Pass with Distinction).

Sub-assignment 3 (3 credits) Project description of an independent research project within the field of education. Presented in writing in a project memorandum (Fail/Pass/Pass with Distinction).

For the grade Pass on the entire course, the student must receive at least Pass on all subassignments. For Pass with Distinction, the student must in addition receive Pass with Distinction on sub-assignments amounting to at least 4.5 credits.

Link to grading criteria: www.miun.se/betygskriterier

If a student has a decision from the coordinator at Mid Sweden University regarding educational support due to a disability, the examiner is entitled to provide an adapted form of examination.

Grading system

Three-grade scale

Other information

The course may not be included in a degree together with the course code PE054A.

Course certificates, credit transfers, appeals, and related matters are regulated by the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance.