Course - Scientific theory and method (social sciences, CREE, pedagogy) - MGLU5242
Scientific theory and method (social sciences, CREE, pedagogy)
New from the academic year 2025/2026
About
About the course
Course content
The subject deals with scientific ways of thinking in school and the teaching profession. It will focus on various research paradigms, traditions, and the relationship between ontology, epistemology, and the choice of research approaches. Students will receive training and practice in the use of various quantitative and qualitative research methods, including source-critical methods. Furthermore, emphasis will be placed on research design, emphasizing the relationship between theme, problem statement, research questions, and the use of relevant theory and methods. Research ethics and issues concerning privacy are also part of the subject. Students will develop an understanding of how the theory of science and research methods are relevant to work in schools.
Learning outcome
KNOWLEDGE
The student
- has in-depth knowledge of various research paradigms and the relationships between ontological and epistemological standpoints and the choice of research methods
- has in-depth knowledge of the characteristics of various research designs and research methods and how this can promote scientific thinking in schools
- has advanced knowledge of privacy and research ethics guidelines
- has advanced knowledge of how scientific subject matter from their own research is presented and made relevant for professional and pedagogical work in schools
- has in-depth knowledge of various methods for data collection and analysis of data material and how this can be used in their own teaching in schools
- has in-depth knowledge of the theory of science and qualitative and quantitative methods to be able to conduct scientific investigations within their subject area
SKILLS
The student
- can design and carry out independent research projects/empirical investigations and critically relate to their own choices
- can make reasoned choices of methods for collecting and analyzing data material and use this didactically in work with exploratory teaching
- can assess whether the project makes it necessary to apply for project approval from SIKT and can, in collaboration with the supervisor, apply for this if required
- can analyze and critically relate to knowledge sources (subject literature and data material) and use them to structure and formulate professional reasoning
- can analyze and critically relate to national and international professionally relevant research and apply this knowledge in professional practice
GENERAL COMPETENCE
The student
- can analyze relevant issues related to their own research field and school subjects
- can contribute to development work that promotes professional and pedagogical innovation in schools
- can use scientific thinking in the classroom, school, and teaching profession
- can assess and ensure the quality of their own and others’ research and use research in work in schools
Learning methods and activities
The subject includes lectures, seminars, guidance, work with assignments, individually and in groups, oral and written student presentations and fellow student feedback. It is expected that all students contribute actively in the various activities. The students must submit a written project assignment. The project assignment will form the scientific theoretical and research methodological basis for the research project. Detailed requirements and delivery deadline will be announced at the start of the semester.
Compulsory assignments
- Mandatory activities according to the course description
Further on evaluation
Written and oral work requirements individually or in groups, as well as compulsory attendance at certain teaching sessions. Detailed requirements and submission deadlines will be announced at the start of the semester. The students must deliver a project assignment which will be a preliminary project for the master's thesis, in which they describe and provide the basis for the theme, problem, theory and methods.
Compulsory work requirements must be approved before you can sit for the exam.
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education for Years 5-10 (MGLU5-10)
Recommended previous knowledge
Passed 30 credits in social studies at master's level in the fourth year of primary school teacher education, or equivalent
or
pedagogy and student knowledge 4
or
passed 30 SP subjects at master's level in KRLE in the fourth academic year of primary school teacher education or equivalent.
Required previous knowledge
Pass social studies 1 and written exam in social studies 2 or
pass Pedagogy and student knowledge 1,2 and 3. Pass 30 credits in a subject at master's level in social pedagogy or special pedagogy in the third year of primary school teacher education
or passed KRLE 1 and KRLE 2 (60 credits in total).
Credit reductions
Course code | Reduction | From |
---|---|---|
MGLU5211 | 15 sp | Autumn 2025 |
MGLU5106 | 15 sp | Autumn 2025 |
MGLU5506 | 15 sp | Autumn 2025 |
MGLU5229 | 15 sp | Autumn 2025 |
Subject areas
- Teacher Education
- Social Studies
Contact information
Course coordinator
Lecturers
Department with academic responsibility
Examination
Examination
Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025
School exam
The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.