Research Methods in Social Work
| Structure Type: | Course |
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| Code: | SOSATK10 |
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| Type: | Compulsory |
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| Level: | Bachelor |
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| Credits: | 5.0 points |
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| Language of Instruction: | Finnish |
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Course Implementations, Planned Year of Study and Semester
| Curriculum | Semester | Credits | Start of Semester | End of Semester |
| SOSALA-2015 |
3 autumn |
5.0 |
2017-08-01 |
2017-12-31 |
| SOSALA-2016 |
3 autumn |
5.0 |
2018-08-01 |
2018-12-31 |
Learning Outcomes
Students are able to detect relevant and interesting research targets in their professional field. They are familiar with the research approaches and methods used in social sciences. Students know how to evaluate the suitability of various research approaches and methods for given targets. They know how to define a research task and how to formulate research questions. Students are familiar with the whole research process and its features in qualitative, quantitative and action research. They know how to use the most important qualitative and quantitative research tools and recognise the action research process. Students select and focus on one approach, qualitative, quantitative or action research.
Student's Workload
133 hours
Prerequisites / Recommended Optional Courses
Introduction to Research and Development
Contents
- research-mindedness
- research approaches and methods in social sciences
- defining research tasks and research problems
- the qualitative, quantitative and action reseach process
- the Webropol tool, tools for qualitative analysis
- Qualitative research methods: interview. observation
- Quantitative research methos: SPSS software, tables, indicators, graphics
- Action research methods: the action research process, use of multiple methods
Recommended or Required Reading
- Aaltonen, Juha & Valli, Raine (toim.) (2015) ikkunoita tutkimusmetodeihin 1. Metodin valinta ja aineistonkeruu: virikkeitä aloittelevalle tutkijalle. Jyväskylä: PS-kustannus.
- Greasley, Pete (2008) Quantitative Data Analysis Using SPSS: An Introduction for Health and Social Sciences. Open University Press. (e-kirja).
- Heikkilä, Tarja (2014) Tilastollinen tutkimus. Helsinki: Edita.
Kananen, Jorma (2014) Laadullinen tutkimus opinnäytetyönä. Jyväskylä: Jyväskylän ammattikorkeakoulun julkaisuja 176.
- Kananen, Jorma (2014) Toimintatutkimus kehittämistutkimuksen muotona. Jyväskylä: Jyväskylän
ammattikorkeakoulun julkaisuja.
- Ronkainen, Suvi, Pehkonen, Leila, Lindblom-Ylänne, Sari & Paavilainen, Eija (2011) Tutkimuksen voimasanat. Helsinki: WSOYpro.
- Valli, Raine & Aaltola, Juhani (toim.) (2015) Ikkunoita tutkimusmetodeihin 2. Näkökulmia aloittelevalle tutkijalle tutkimuksen teoreettisiin lähtökohtiin ja analyysimenetelmiin. Jyväskylä: PS-kustannus.
Mode of Delivery / Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
- lectures, independent assignments, online study, familiarization with one of the research orientations: qualitative, quantitative or action research.
- During the course, the students will famialirize themselves with qualitative, quantitative and action research. After the basics, students have possibillity to deepen their knowledge in one of them.
Assessment Criteria
Scale 1-5.
Grade 5:
The students
- possess the knowledge of the processes in qualitative, quantitative and action research orientations
- have ability to observe essential and meaningful research topics related to one's professional area
- have capacities to compare the applicibility of qualitative, quantitative and action research methods and orientation related to different research topics
- have ability to implement research by using qualitative, quantitative and action research in wide range
Grade 3-4:
The students
- have ability to describe the key features of qualitative, quantitative and action research orientations
- have knowledge concerning the nature and the wholeness of research processes, where previously mentioned orientations are used
- have capacities to assess the applicibility of qualitative, quantitative and action research methods and orientation related to different research topics
- have ability to implement research by using qualitative, quantitative and action research
Grade 1-2:
The students
- can define the key features of qualitative, quantitative and action research orientations
- are able to use qualitative and quantitative research methods in analyzing reseach data under supervision
- are able to describe the action research process
Assessment Methods
Evaluation consists of participating in contact- and online teaching
Work Placement
the course does not include practice
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