Course syllabus - Quantitative Research Methods II

Objectives

The objective of the course is for students to acquire further in-depth knowledge of quantitative designs and methods, including multivariate statistical methods of analysis that are of relevance to the field of health and welfare. Students are also expected to further develop their critical approach to scientific work.
 

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:
1 assess and argue for different research designs
2 evaluate basic properties of measuring instruments for different dimensions of health and welfare
3 assess and argue for the choice of multivariate methods of analysis
4 apply a selection of multivariate methods of analysis
5 interpret and reflect upon the results of multivariate methods of analysis
6 review, assess and apply combinations of qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches (mixed method)
 

Course content

- different types of experimental and non-experimental research designs
- basic psychometric properties of measuring instruments and their analysis
- multivariate methods of analysis, such as principal component analysis, factor analysis, MANOVA, and logistic regression
- different ways to combine qualitative and quantitative methods, including their respective strengths and weaknesses
 

Tuition

Teaching and learning take place in the form of lectures, seminars and/or exercises. The purpose of these teaching methods is for the students to practice independent and active searches for knowledge, cooperation, discussion, argumentation and critical reflection. In the course, an educational web-based platform is used for the sharing of course materials, 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, 1.5 credits, individual assignment, regarding learning outcomes 4-5, grades Fail (U) or Pass (G).
INL2, Hand-in assignment, 6 credits, individual assignment, regarding learning outcomes 1-6, grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
 
For the grade VG on the course as a whole, a VG on INL2 as well as a G on INL1 are required. For more information, 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

Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail