Program Overview

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Introduction to Methodology

The Introduction to Methodology course is designed to provide students with a general understanding of scientific research methods, including the distinction between quantitative and qualitative methods.

Course Description

The course aims to introduce students to the principles of scientific research, including the understanding of variables, measurement, and research design. Students will learn about the different types of research methods, including experimental and non-experimental designs, and will gain knowledge of the strengths and limitations of each approach.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain the concept of a scientific paradigm
• Discuss the role of probability in psychological research
• Describe the differences between experimental and non-experimental designs
• Provide examples of qualitative research methods and their characteristics
• Critically evaluate the quality of research projects and claims of correlation and causality

Course Structure

The course will consist of:

• Lectures on methodology (9 x 2 hours, total 16 hours)
• Seminars

Assessment

The course will be assessed through a 3-hour school exam, where students will be required to answer questions on research methodology and design. The exam can be completed in English or Norwegian (Bokmĺl/Nynorsk).

Grading Scale

The grading scale for the course will be A-F.

Study Level

The course is offered at the Bachelor level.

Teaching Semester

The course will be taught in the fall semester.

Language of Instruction

The language of instruction for the course is Norwegian.

Credits

The course is worth 5 credits.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for the course.

Recommended Prior Knowledge

There is no recommended prior knowledge for the course.

Credit Reduction

The following credit reductions apply:

• EXFAC03P + PSYK113 = 2 credits reduction
• PSYK102 + PSYK113 = 3 credits reduction
• PS102 + PSYK102 = 5 credits reduction
• PS103 + PSYK102 = 5 credits reduction
• PS104 + PSYK102 = 5 credits reduction
• PSYK202A + PSYK102 = 5 credits reduction

Admission Requirements

The course is open to all students with admission to the University of Bergen.

Work and Teaching Forms

The course will consist of lectures and seminars.

Compulsory Teaching Activities

There are no compulsory teaching activities for the course.

Evaluation Forms

The course will be evaluated through a school exam.

Exam Date

The exam date for the course is 20.02.2026, 09:00.

Exam Duration

The exam will last for 3 hours.

Deadline for Withdrawal

The deadline for withdrawal from the exam is 06.02.2026.

Exam System

The exam will be conducted through the Inspera system.

Allowed Exam Aids

No aids are allowed during the exam, except for a non-lexical dictionary.

Course Responsibility

The course is responsible for the Department of Social Psychology.

Subject Responsibility

The subject is responsible for the Department of Social Psychology.

Administrative Responsibility

The administrative responsibility for the course lies with the Faculty of Psychology.