Basics of Research Methodology (5cr)

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

Lectures (Zoom) according to the timetable
More detailed schedule and teaching facilities lukkarit.tamk.fi

Exam schedules

Qualitative research:
During the part, mini-tests to be completed in stages in Moodle (3 pcs.)
- material tests (free use of material during the test)
- no final or re-exams
- more detailed information in the section Moodle.

Quantitative research:
- EXAM-exam

Assessment methods and criteria

Both entities will have their separate grades. The final grade is the average of the entities; both entities must be passed.
Qualitative research: Tests and exercises.
Quantitative research: Exercise, exam.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Lectures, exams, explanatory videos, practice tasks
Distance learning online (Moodle / Zoom)
Pair and group work
Independent study

Learning materials

Recommended learning material in Moodle.
Teaching material, links to explanatory videos, support material and possible literature are in Moodle.

Student workload

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

Completion alternatives

CreTa

Further information

The implementation consists of two entities:
- Qualitative research (Boedeker): presence in distance education, study material and exams in Moodle, analysis exercise.
- Quantitative research (Vaarma): assignments and necessary material in Moodle.