Research Methods and Skills (5 cr)

Objective

The purpose of the course is to improve the student's professional expertise, research and development skills, and expertise in critical argumentation and knowledge formation skills that can contribute to the field.

Objectives; the student
• is able to identify, evaluate and argue research and development needs from different angles
• can critically evaluate and utilise national and international research data and material for the purposes of working life development and RDI
• is familiar with the methods suitable for research and development projects in their field and can select the appropriate qualitative, quantitative or development methods for RDI projects
• is able to apply any chosen methods appropriately
• follows the principles of responsible conduct of research, data protection and research ethics and can apply the principles of open science and research in research and development activities
• is able to evaluate the reliability of the research and development project appropriately
• can communicate fluently about research and development issues
• can act with initiative and responsibility in multidisciplinary development networks and carry out various working life development projects.

Content

• Approaches to research and development work
• Identification and evaluation of research and development needs
• Systematic acquisition of information in research and development work
• Research and development processes and methods:
• Quantitative, qualitative and development methods
• Data collection, analysis, reliability and interpretation of data
• Research ethics, data protection and responsible conduct of research, and the principles of open science and research
• Communication and reporting of research and development work

Location and time

Research methods and capabilities, spring 2024
27.3.2024 9.30 - 16.30 excursion Lahti, topic: approaches to research and development work, thesis q&a, Tero
9.4.2024 9.30 - 12.30 remote, topic: research theory and information acquisition, guest Maarit Koskela
24.4.2024 9.30 - 12.30 remote, topic: service design, guest Laura Lerkkanen
6.5.2024 9.30 - 12.30 remote, topic: ethics, data protection and good scientific practice, guest Juha Järvinen

The course will continue in the fall semester 2024.
2.9.2024 9.30 - 12.30 local campus, topic: reading circle assignments & Wihi, data management, Tero
9.9.2024 9.30 - 12.30 remote, topic: quantitative research, guest Timo Hiekkanen
26.9.2024 9.30 - 12.30 remote, topic: qualitative research, Tero
7.10.2024 9.30 - 12.30 remote, topic: systems analysis & ONT accessibility, Tero

Materials

Published on an online learning platform

Teaching methods

The course consists of distance learning lectures and independent study that supports the teaching.

Work methods:
Interactive lecture
Essay
Reading circle
Distance learning
Assignments
Recorded presentation
Reflection
Peer evaluation

It is possible that part of the course implemented as teaching will be recorded for flexible studying. If you do not want to be included in the recording, inform the teacher of this during the first lesson of the course. Recordings of teaching situations can be viewed during the course on the learning platform used by the course. Unless otherwise agreed with the group, recordings of teaching situations will be deleted no later than 6 months after the end of the course.

Privacy Policy
A description of the processing of personal data during the course can be found in the privacy policy of Metropolia's student and study data register published on Metropolia's public website: https://www.metropolia.fi/fi/metropoliasta/tietosuoja-ja-gdpr/tietosuojaselosteet/metropolian-opiskelija-ja-opintotieterekisteri. The publicity of the course is not restricted (Section 9 of the Act on Universities of Applied Sciences).

Employer connections

Visiting lecturers from working life and excursions.

Exam schedules

Assignment / Assignment / Assignment Return
27.3.2024 Reading Circle Work Plan 5.5.2024
6.5.2024 Reading Circle Presentations 1.9.2024
27.3.2024 Tutorial Topic 25.9.2024
9.9.2024 Quantitative 6.10.2024
26.9.2024 Qualitative 6.10.2024

All assignments and achievements are valid one year from the start date. Also, all personal compensatory assignments are valid one year from the start date. Discuss alternative methods with your tutor if needed.

Student workload

The course has five credits. Calculating that completing one credit requires 27 hours of work. The total number of hours in the course is 135 hours according to this calculation. The course has 24 hours of teaching sessions, meaning that 111 hours of the workload are outside of teaching sessions. This number of hours is divided into preparing for lectures (possibly materials or assignments to be read in advance), reading the course material, preparing an essay, homework and presentation (individual work and group work). Based on these hours, you will be able to assess what kind of effort is expected of you in the course work and how the course workload compares to other courses.

The workload dimension is indicative and provides an indication of the average workload required to achieve the course learning objectives and a grade of 3/5. Depending on the student's previous knowledge and experience, the workload may be less or more. The knowledge acquired in the course is assessed through assignments and other achievements, not by the number of hours completed.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student is able to identify and describe the needs and stages of research and development work in their field. The student is able to make use of relevant information in development work. The student is able to use and apply key concepts and methods in their field's research and development work. They are able to identify and take into account any data protection and research ethics issues. They can communicate and report on their research and development work. The student is able to, in cooperation with others, carry out research and development projects that develop working life.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student is able to analyse and argue the needs and stages of research and development work in their field. The student is able to compare, analyse and make use of relevant information purposefully in development work. The student is able to properly use key concepts and methods in their field's research and development work, and to apply them in a variety of ways. They adhere to data protection and research ethics guidelines. They communicate and report clearly on their research and development work. The student is able to carry out independent research and development projects that develop working life, and is capable of cooperation with others.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student is able to assess in a critical way and to argue from many angles the needs and stages of research and development work in their field. The student is able to critically analyse and assess relevant information and to apply it skillfully in development work. The student has excellent command of the key concepts and methods used in their field's research and development work, and is able to apply them in multiple and innovative ways. The students have internalised the data protection and research ethics guidelines, and develop operations that comply with them. They communicate and report convincingly on their research and development work. They are able to lead independent research and development projects and engage in constructive cooperation with others.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student is able to identify and describe the needs and stages of research and development work in their field. The student is able to make use of relevant information in development work. The student is able to use and apply key concepts and methods in their field's research and development work. They are able to identify and take into account any data protection and research ethics issues. They can communicate and report on their research and development work. The student is able to, in cooperation with others, carry out research and development projects that develop working life.

Assessment methods and criteria

The course has a 50% attendance requirement. In addition, the student must have completed the course assignments. Absence will result in an independent assignment, the approved completion of which is a prerequisite for the course assessment.

Assessment criteria and emphasis:
Assignments (60% of the grade)
Continuous assessment (20% of the grade)
Reporting and reflection (20% of the grade)

By actively participating in lectures and lecture assignments, it is possible to earn additional points that can be used to increase the course grade.

Qualifications

Completed higher education degree (Bachelor level)