Course syllabus - Quantitative Research Methods I

Objectives

The aim of the course is for students to acquire enhanced knowledge of quantitative methods, including statistical methods for analysis, that are applicable in the health and welfare area. Students are further expected to develop their critical stance with respect to scientific work.
 

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:
1 discuss core aspects of quantitative research design, such as aims and research questions, selection, data collection, analysis, results, ethics, and quality criteria
2 describe and assess similarities and differences between different quantitative analytical methods
3 motivate the choice of quantitative analytical methods in relation to aims and research questions
4 apply a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches (mixed method)
 

Course content

The course begins with a general description of the core aspects of quantitative research design. Subsequently, different descriptive and analytical quantitative analytical methods will be presented, with a focus on variance and regression analysis as well as alternative, non-parametric methods and their applications. There will be exercises regarding the description and analysis of data with the help of suitable statistics programmes, as well as training in the presentation of results from quantitative analyses. Finally, ways of combining quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches will be presented.

Tuition

Teaching and learning take the form of lectures, seminars and/or exercises. The purpose of these formats is to train students in active knowledge searches, cooperation, discussion, argumentation, and critical reflection. A web-based teaching platform is used in the course for the presentation of course materials, as well as for communication and discussion.
 

Specific requirements

A completed bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to 180 credits in one of the following subject areas: Public Health Science, Caring Science with Specialisation in Nursing, Nursing science, Medical Science, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or the equivalent. In addition Swedish B/Swedish 3 and English B/English 6 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish B/Swedish 3.

Examination

INL1, hand-in assignment, 3.5 credits: learning objectives 1-2; grades Fail (U) and Pass (G).
INL2, hand-in assignment, 4 credits: learning objectives 3-4; grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).

For a VG on the course as a whole, this grade is required on INL2. For more detailed instructions, see the study guidelines.
 

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Three-grade scale