Description
The course discusses how the way in which we conduct scientific research (and the topics we research) is determined by our perception and guiding values. The course offers a broad overview of the ways in which observations or conclusions about the world can get distorted: through bias, cultural and social relations, and values. The essential question of this course is how social science research relates to real-world issues, and real-world research, warts and all. And, more importantly, what students have to do in their academic studies to prepare well for a science-driven career (i.e. research, policy, therapy, aid work, etc.). The course is set up as a personalized learning pathway, where you can delve into the topics that truly matter to you.
Course objectives
Through this course, we strive to achieve that students:
can explain their own position regarding (the application of) social science research
can identify and reflect on common biases and personal preferences that play a part in (the application of) research
can explain how methodological choices influence research outcomes and/or societal application
can formulate a plan of approach regarding their overarching learning goals, in relation to the learning goals as specified above
Course material
Syllabus, which will be published on Brightspace two weeks before the start of the course.
Mode of instruction
The course will consist of lectures and workgroups. Students are expected to invest approximately 112 hours for this 4 ECTS course by:
10-14 hrs: attending sessions
70 hrs: reading literature
30 hrs: working on the assignments
Assessment methods
Preparatory assignments and a final assignments - pass/fail
Oral examination - pass/fail
Language
English
Skills
Researching |Collaborating |Reflecting
Analysing |Oral communication | Independent learning
Generating solutions | Written communication |Resilience
Project-based working | Presenting
Digital skills| | Societal awareness
Timetable
Date |Time |Location |Tentative programme
13-2-2025 | 18:00-20:00 | Leiden| Science and value
27-2-2025 |18:00-20:00 |Leiden|Bias in humans
13-3-2025 |18:00-20:00| Leiden|Bias in methods
3-4-2025 |18:00-20:00 |Leiden| Case studies
17-4-2025 |18:00-20:00| Leiden| Case studies
1-5-2025 |18:00-20:00| Leiden| In preparation of choice: what is success in (application of) scientific research?
Admission requirements
Students are expected to have basic knowlegde of philosophy of science and methodology.
Registration
Students can register for the Honours Modules via MyStudyMap until five days before the start of the course.
Contact information
If you have any questions, please contact the course coordinator Laura Schneider (l.i.schneider@fsw.leidenuniv.nl).