Study Guide

Objective

The students are familiar with the general methodological principles of research- based development activities and the related different strategic and methodological options. The students master the strategic options and methods relevant to different development tasks and are also able to apply them in their own development tasks.

Content

Quantitative research strategies and methods; qualitative research strategies and methods; strategies and methods for operational development activities; strategies and methods for evaluation study. Planning for the Master’s Thesis.

Students deepen their knowledge regarding different strategies and methods of research and development. Students become acquainted with key research strategies regarding developing their own competence, such as quantitative strategy; qualitative strategy; operational strategy; and evaluation study. The differentiating part will be implemented by studying the relevant literature and by participating in the work on the subject matter.

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