FAK3138 Theory of Science and Research Methodology, Social Science 7.5 credits

The following is an incomplete list of topics covered in the course.

• Scientific knowledge
• Hypothesis testing
• Observations and measurements
• Experiments
• Models
• Statistical reasoning
• Causes and explanations
• Qualitative methods
• Economic methodology
• Risk and risk assessment
• Research ethics

After having completed the course, the student should, with regards to the theory and methodology of science, both orally as well as in writing, be able to:

• Identify definitions and descriptions of concepts, theories and problem areas, as well as identify the correct application of these concepts and theories.
• Account for concepts, theories and general problem areas, as well as apply concepts and theories to specific cases.
• Critically discuss the definitions and applications of concepts and theories as they applies to specific cases of scientific research.
• identify and critically discuss fundamental theoretical and methodological problems within the PhD-student's area of research,
• identify and critically discuss specific theoretical and methodological problems within the PhD-student's own research,
• identify and critically discuss specific theoretical and methodological problems within others' research.

11 pre recorded lectures, 4 seminars and exam in the first of the stated study period, 3 essay meetings in the second stated period. A student can choose to take the entire course in one period, please contact course responsible teacher.

Entry requirements for PhD studies.

All material is available through course platform. The following literature has been used previously:

• Till Grüne-Yanoff ”Justified Method Choice – Methodology for Scientists and Engineers” (compendium).
• Articles distributed during the course.

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

• SEM1 - Seminars, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Digital examination, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• UPP1 - Essay, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, 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.

A student may request a home exam, with the maximum grade of E, if two requirements are fulfilled: (1) This is the last remaining exam left before graduation. (2) It is not possible for the student to attend the written exam because the student is, at the point of the request, residing outside of Sweden and will be residing outside of Sweden for at least twelve months following the request. The examiner approves or denies these requests.

Till Grüne-Yanoff

• 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 about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.

The previous module ”DEL 1, participation” is equal to the new module “Sem1” with regards to content, format and is examined in the same way.The previous module ”EXA 1, participation” is equal to the new module “TEN1” with regards to content, format and is but is examined with a digital exam instead of an on-campus exam.

To apply for the course, please fill in the form available on this link: https://www.kth.se/form/application-form

Please note! This course replaces F1N5114 Theory of Science and Research Methodology, Social Science 7,5 credit 

Schedule can be found by searching for course code on www.kth.se/schema