Print Syllabus

Syllabus

MP0003 Research Methods for People and Environment Studies, 15.0 Credits

Forskningsmetoder i studier av människa och miljö

Subjects

Environmental Psychology Landscape Architecture

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Qualitative inquiry	7.5	0102
Quantitative inquiry	7.5	0103

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to 120 credits and English 6

Objectives

The course aims to give an overview over current research methods and techniques that are used to investigate the interactions between people and environment. The course serves as an introduction to the methods of Master- and PhD-studies in the field.

After completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• report on the various techniques and methods that are used in people and environment studies

• identify possible research questions and/or hypotheses concerning the interaction between people and environment

• exemplify, describe, and motivate the choice of method for specific research questions in the area

• design qualitative and quantitative studies

• select and conduct basic qualitative and statistical analyses

• write a scientific report, including references and critical analysis of sources and literature

• identify and explain ethical issues in research studies.

Content

Based on theory and research on people and environment interactions various study approaches to specific research questions will be presented. Principles for defining research questions and suggestions for the design of investigation will be outlined, demonstrated and discussed. This will provide the foundations for explaining how different methods provide different types of knowledge. Alternatives in designing studies will be demonstrated and practiced. The strategies presented belong to a broad field of people–environment studies including methods typical for experiments in lab, surveys as well as fieldwork with participant observation. Scientific writing will be practiced, including management of literature references and source criticism, resulting in a number of short papers where different methods are tested, and a final complete scientific paper. Compulsory seminars where the different methods are discussed are also included. Examples of ethical issues that may arise in studies including human beings will be illustrated and discussed.

The course combines mandatory online meetings with tasks carried out independently.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Participation in compulsory elements. Approved participation in seminars. Successful completion of exercises. Passed scientific paper.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

The course is given as a distance course, with mandatory online meetings, at 50% speed.

Responsible department

Department of People and Society