UV9202A ¨C Basic Course in Quantitative Research Methodology. Part A.

Course content

This basic course will cover general themes relevant for all quantitative research, but with an emphasis on issues related to robustness and quality. A core theme will be how we can identify effects and predictions and how to test them empirically. It will be structured around two overarching topics, namely experimental research and observational studies. For experimental studies, the course will review applied examples concerning how to analyze experimental data (e.g. how to measure intervention effects, how to control for baseline differences, how to use effect sizes etc.). For observational studies, the course will explore examples of how to design correlational studies and analyze correlational data.

The course provides an overview of different research designs and accompanying analyses. The focus will be on how to build a bridge between research questions, hypotheses, study design, analyses, and the interpretation of findings. Issues of validity will be emphasized.

Note that the Basic Course in Quantitative Research Methodology comprises two parts, A and B.?Part A?provides an overview of issues related to research quality and robustness.?Part B? will go deeper into causal reasoning, and how the different design types can accommodate and deal with causality. Part B will also focus on observational and experimental studies but also on how such studies can be summarized in meta-analyses.? Finally, Part B will also focus on open science and how this can be implemented.

For candidates specializing in qualitative methods, taking?part A of the course will be sufficient. For candidates doing quantitative studies, both courses are highly recommended. Note that the two courses (A and B) does not build on each other and they can be taken independently of each other and in any order. However, a prerequisite for being able to reach the learning outcomes of Part B of the course is to have foundational knowledge about quantitative research and its designs

Learning outcome

Upon completion of Part A, the students will have a basic understanding of the processes of conducting quantitative research, different research designs, and the accompanying analyses. They should also be able to evaluate the quality and validity of quantitative research. The course is intended to help the students to understand better the different methodological approaches applied in educational sciences and thus strengthen their scientific thinking.

Admission to the course

PhD candidates at the Faculty of Educational Sciences will be given priority, but it is also possible for others to apply for the course. Applicants must have at least a Master`s degree.

PhD candidates affiliated with the Faculty of Educational Sciences register through Studentweb. Others may apply through the application form published at the current semester site.

Registration deadline:?Please see the current semester site.

Overlapping courses

• 3 credits overlap with UV9201 ¨C Basic Course in Quantitative Research Methodology (discontinued).
• 1 credits overlap with UV9202AU.
• 1 credits overlap with UV9201U.

Teaching

The course will include lectures and assignments. Active contributions from the students in the form of discussion and task completion are expected.

Students will be asked to present a critical reading of one empirical study from the reading list of the course, and complete a simple hands-on assignment.

You will find the timetable and literature on the semester webpage for this course.

Examination

3 credit points for course participation (80% attendance is required) and an approved written assignment. The assignment (5-7 pages, Times New Roman 12, line spacing 1,5) should be a critical analysis of a published empirical article, and must discuss the quality and validity of the study.

The assignment is to be submitted electronically in Canvas.

Deadline for assignment submission: The deadline will be published in the semester site.

Language of examination

English

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.