Basics of Research Methodology (5 cr)

Objectives (course unit)

The course provides the basic skills for planning and conducting both quantitative and qualitative research.

Upon completing the course, the student:
- knows and understands the fundamentals of research and the key terminology related to research activities
- possesses the capability to plan and conduct practical applied research in an ethically sound manner
- can analyze quantitative data using statistical software and produce necessary data representations
- is able to analyze qualitative text data and describe the obtained results.

Content (course unit)

Research Process
Research Ethics
Types of Research
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Research Reliability

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student recognizes and mostly understands the key terms and concepts related to research. The student can moderately analyze research data and describe research results. The student can mostly work independently and, when necessary, as part of a team.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student organizes the research process and understands the key terms and concepts related to research. The student is prepared to plan and conduct practical applied research. The student can analyze research data and describe research results. The student actively operates as an individual and, when necessary, as part of a group.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student has a comprehensive understanding of the nature and fundamentals of research and possesses excellent capabilities to plan and conduct practical applied research. The student can skillfully and diversely analyze research data and describe research results. The student takes a committed responsibility for their own performance and, when necessary, for the group's performance.

Location and time

Remote learning according to the schedule (Zoom and Moodle).

Exam schedules

Basics of research work and qualitative research: during the section, mini-exams to be completed in stages in Moodle (3 pcs.):
- material exams (free use of material during the exam)
- no re-exams
- more detailed information in the section Moodle.

Quantitative research:

Assessment methods and criteria

Osien painotettu keskiarvo; kaikki osat suoritettava hyväksyttävästi.

Tutkimustyön perusteet ja laadullinen tutkimus: 0-5, tentit ja analyysiharjoitustehtävä.
Paino 50 % toteutuksen arvosanasta.

Määrällinen tutkimus:
Harjoitustehtävät ja aineistotyöt (projektit), sekä itsenäisesti että parityönä. Lisäksi itsearviointi ja tarvittaessa vertaisarviointi. Suoritus koostuu erillisistä tilastoprojekteista, joiden sisällöt ja palautusaikataulut ovat kurssin Moodlessa.
Paino 50 % toteutuksen arvosanasta.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Basics of research work and qualitative research: lectures, independent study, exams, group work, exercises.

Quantitative research:

Learning materials

Basics of research work and qualitative research: compulsory and recommended material announced in the section Moodle.

Quantitative research:

Student workload

5 credits = 5 * 27 h = 135 h of student work, of which approx. 30-35 h of teaching and supervision according to the timetable.

Completion alternatives

CreTa (See study guide)