UV9202B – Basic Course in Quantitative Research Methodology. Part B.

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

One of the things that quantitative researchers are most interested in (even if we are not always willing to admit it) is causality. What causes a phenomenon and how can we study this? This course will focus on causal reasoning and designs in quantitative research.  The course is structured around four overarching topics, namely experimental studies, quasi experimental studies, observational studies and meta-analysis. The course will give understanding of the different design types and to what extent they can address causal issues. If we are not able to deal with causal issues by design, the course will discuss various analytic techniques that can makes us able to at least approach causality. For experimental studies, the course will cover different design types and give 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 focus on longitudinal studies and explore examples on how to design such studies and analyze longitudinal data (e.g. how to measure stability, change and development). In addition, the course will cover how meta-analyses can be used to summarize the before mentioned studies, and how we can implement an open science culture.

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 B, the students will have, in addition to the above, a more in depth understanding of advanced study designs, how they can address causality and also the strengths and weaknesses of some of the common analyses that are used for each design. The students will also gain knowledge about open science and how this can be implemented.

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. As a minimum requirement, all participants must hold 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.

Foundational knowledge about quantitative research and its main designs. 

Overlapping courses

Teaching

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

During the course, students will receive practical assignments related to their own research. There will be one practical assignment each day and the assignments will be presented and discussed the following day.

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

Examination

2  credit points for course participation and approved two exercises. 80% attendance is required.

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

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

Last updated from FS (Common Student System) Mar. 19, 2024 10:01:45 AM

Facts about this course

Level
PhD
Credits
2
Teaching
Autumn
Examination
Autumn
Teaching language
English