ME-422 Research Methods, Design and Analysis

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Master's Programme in Advanced Practice Nursing

Teaching language

Norwegian

Recommended prerequisites

ME-421 Theory of Science

Course contents

The course covers various types of qualitative and quantitative research methods as well as the methods' theoretical foundations and practical procedures with special emphasis on application to specialised nursing.

Central topics

• Research process and research design

• Systematic literature searches

• Topic selection and defining a research question

• Selection and generalisation issues

• Data collection

  • Observation

  • Qualitative interviews

  • Evaluation research, action research

  • Quantitative surveys

  • Experimental and quasi-experimental proposals

  • Material from archives and registers

  • Case studies

  • Longitudinal research

• Approaches to analysis

  • Quantitative analysis with SPSS courses

  • Qualitative analysis with Nvivo courses

  • Research methods in the academic areas of health

  • Research ethics

  • Publication ethics

More detailed information can be found in the course booklet that will be made available to students via the Canvas learning management system.

Learning outcomes

Students will:

Knowledge

• • demonstrate thorough knowledge about which research methods that are mosly used in the academic areas of health, and be able to apply these methods independently

• demonstrate advanced knowledge about selection procedures and major ways of collecting data

  • demonstrate thorough knowledge about various approaches in qualitative and quantitative methods

  • demonstrate thorough knowledge about the pre-requisites for generalising results

Skills

• • be able to shape and critically evaluate research design in relation to relevant research issues

  • be able to analyse collected research data in the research area

General competence

• be able to explain the types of knowledge that various research methods may generate

• be able to analyse published studies with regard to methodology

• be able to decide which analyses should be used for the most common research designs

• be able to reflect critically upon research-ethical and methodological issues

• be able to complete application procedures for research ethics committees and NSD/Data Security Authorities

• Be able to analyse and independently apply knowledge in written work

Examination requirements

Two assignments must be handed in before the deadline. See the course booklet for further details.

Evaluation

 The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Assessment methods and criteria

A five-hour written examination. Grades A-F will be given.