Opinto-opas

Objective

Students are familiar with the general methodological principles of R&D projects as well as their various strategic and methodological options. Students are proficient in the strategic alternatives and methods relevant to their R&D project and know how to apply them to their development project.

Content

Strategies and methods of quantitative research; Strategies and methods of qualitative research; Strategies and methods of action research; Strategies and methods of evaluation research. Proposal for the Master’s thesis.

Students acquaint themselves well with various strategies and methods of research and development activities. Students choose additionally one of the following studies: a) Quantitative strategy; b) Qualitative strategy; c) Strategy based on action research and d) Evaluation research. The separate sections are implemented by literature reviews and by participating in workshops related to the subject.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Research and development studies:

• analyses and evaluates critically knowledge relevant to social development as well as utilises it in development work
• masters central concepts and use of methods relevant to R&D in social services and knows how to apply them to work
• innovates, prepares and implements R&D projects as well as evaluates their effectiveness.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Research and development studies:

• analyses and evaluates critically national and international knowledge relevant to social development as well as utilises it in development work
• masters central concepts and use of methods relevant to R&D and knows how to apply them to work in a versatile manner
• innovates, prepares and implements R&D projects and evaluates their processes and effectiveness in cooperation with clients and partners.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Research and development studies:

• analyses and evaluates critically national and international knowledge relevant to social development as well as utilises it in a versatile manner to promote social welfare in society
• masters central concepts and use of methods relevant to R&D and knows how to apply them in a versatile manner and innovatively even to major R&D projects
• innovates, prepares and implements R&D projects in demanding operating environments as well as evaluates their processes and effectiveness in cooperation with clients and partners.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Research and development studies:

• analyses and evaluates critically knowledge relevant to social development as well as utilises it in development work
• masters central concepts and use of methods relevant to R&D in social services and knows how to apply them to work
• innovates, prepares and implements R&D projects as well as evaluates their effectiveness.