Research Methods

Structure Type: Course
Code: KD22KYO08
Type: Compulsory
Level: Master
Credits: 3.0 points
Responsible Teacher: Aho, Anne-Maria
Language of Instruction: Finnish

Course Implementations, Planned Year of Study and Semester

Curriculum  Semester  Credits  Start of Semester  End of Semester
Y31-2013   2 autumn   3.0   2014-09-01   2014-12-31  
Y31-2015   2 autumn   3.0   2016-08-01   2016-12-31  

Learning Outcomes

Action Research: Student is familiar with the approach and the methodological basic solutions of action research. He/she knows the typical applications, strengths, weaknesses and challenges of action research, in particular related to the study field. The student is able to produce a small-scale action research plan.
Qualitative Methods: The student knows the basic elements of the research and the thesis. He/she is able to collect qualitative data in several different ways. The student can learn to the analysis and the reporting methods of qualitative data. Students are able to assess the suitability, strengths and weaknesses of qualitative data.
Quantitative Methods: The student will acquire the skills of planning and implementation of quantitative business research. The student knows the main quantitative methods, the basic operations of the statistical software, and the interpretation of results. The student can choose the illustrative graphic and learn to report quantitative material scientifically.

Student's Workload

Will be announced at the beginning of the course.

Prerequisites / Recommended Optional Courses

No previous studies are required.

Contents

Action research:
- knowledge interests, pragmatics, intervention and change
- action, the roles of actors, inclusion and the research ethics in action research
- data collection, the principles of analysis and interpretation, and reporting practices
- trends: developmental work research, critical action research and collaborative action research

Qualitative methods:
- the types of material, interview practices
- the relationship of the qualitative and quantitative methods
- the analysis process of qualitative data

Quantitative methods:
- the design of a questionnaire and coding,
- interviews,
- the formation of the observation matrix,
- the data tabulation and appropriate use of statistical methods related to the data and the research problem
- the use and limitations of statistical methods
- the selection of the graphical presentation
- report writing.

Recommended or Required Reading

To be announced.

Mode of Delivery / Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

- lectures and assignments
- independent study

Assessment Criteria

Excellent (5): The student has carried out work to an excellent standard and participated actively and constructively. Student has shown in the course ability to comprehend the concepts of the course and apply the concepts. Good (4-3): The student has carried out work very well and participated actively and constructively. Student has shown in the course ability to comprehend the concepts of the course and apply the concepts. Satisfactory (2-1): The student has participated actively in the course. Student has shown in the course ability to comprehend the basic concepts of the course: Student has been able to use the basic concepts of the course in the case company’s assignment.

Assessment Methods

The assessment takes into account the working methods, problem-solving skills and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in order to develop the working and business practices.

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