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AK2055 Theory of Science and Research Methodology for Teachers 4.0 credits

Administer About course

Survey of research methods in natural and social sciences. Common methods and goals in scientific activity (including discussions of hypothetico-deductive methods, formation of hypotheses, hypothesis testing, and explanations). Differences between research and other investigative activities (inquiries, consulting, etc.) The difference between science and pseudoscience.

Choose semester and course offering

Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.

Application

For course offering

Autumn 2024 Start 28 Oct 2024 programme students

Application code

50050

Headings with content from the Course syllabus AK2055 (Autumn 2019–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

Main concepts and topics in the philosophy of science: knowledge, forms of knowledge denial, explanations, causes, modes of inference, laws, theories, models, reductionism, underdetermination, theory dependence, falsification, demarcation, positivism, scientific values, scientific progress, repeatability.

Main concepts and topics in scientific methodology: observations, experiments, simulations, hypotheses and hypothesis testing, hypothesis generation, validity, reliability, blinding, randomisation, qualitative and quantitative data.

Intended learning outcomes

After completed course, the student is expected to
- be able to account for, and discuss, main concepts and topics in the philosophy of science,

- be able to account for, and discuss, main concepts and topics in scientific methodology,

- be able to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of different methods for collecting and analysing data in an experimental setting.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

General eligibility to master program studies is required.

Recommended prerequisites

No information inserted

Equipment

None.

Literature

Course literature will be assigned no later than four weeks before the course start.

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • SEM1 - Active Participation in Seminars, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • TEN1 - Written Assignment, 2.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No information inserted

Examiner

Profile picture Jesper Jerkert

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

ABE/Philosophy

Main field of study

This course does not belong to any Main field of study.

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted

Contact

Jesper Jerkert, jerkert@kth.se