Methods for Research and Development Work (5 cr)

Objective

Learning outcomes
The student
- is familiar with the research process and the principles of development work based on research
- is familiar with information seeking and analysis methods applicable to development work as well as other work methods
- understands the justification for methods and instruments used in development work
- understands the significance of concise research knowledge to the development and implementation of common practices
- adheres to the ethical principles of research and development work

Content

Contents
Research process and development work based on research
Information seeking and critical reading
Qualitative and quantitative information seeking and analysis methods and their application to research and development work
Practice-based approach to development work
Concise research knowledge (e.g. recommendations) and its use in evidence-based practice
Ethical principles of research and development work

Location and time

The course orientation and webinars are conducted online on specific days and times, and recordings will be made available. Participation in the webinars is recommended but not mandatory. The recording will be published on Moodle the following day. Assignment submissions and exams are also scheduled (see the schedule in the section Exam Dates and Retake Opportunities; schedule changes are possible). Otherwise, the student plans the course progression schedule independently.

The student confirms their participation in the course by attending the course orientation session (see Degree Regulations).

Materials

-

Teaching methods

This is in Finnish language course.

Employer connections

N/A

Exam schedules

Course Orientation: Online, 1 hour, recorded. Zoom link will be added to the schedule. / Responsible teacher: Riitta Vilkko, March 17th, 9:00-10:00

Webinar: Research Ethics: Online, Zoom link will be added to the schedule. / Iira Lankinen, March 25th, 9:00-10:30

Webinar: Literature Review and Information Retrieval: Online, Zoom link will be added to the schedule. / Riitta Vilkko, April 1st, 9:00-10:30

Webinar: Qualitative Research and Content Analysis: Online, April 14th, 9:00-10:30, Zoom link will be added to the schedule. / Iira Lankinen

Webinar: Functional Development Work: Online, April 23rd, 9:00-10:30, Zoom link will be added to the schedule. / Riitta Vilkko

Webinar: Quantitative Research: Online, April 28th, 9:00-10:30, Zoom link will be added to the schedule. / Iira Lankinen

Other Course Assignments:

Ethics Assignment: Submission to Moodle by April 4th, 16:00. Grading: Pass/Fail. / Iira Lankinen

Information Retrieval Workbook: Submission to Moodle by April 11th, 16:00. Grading: Pass/Fail. / Riitta Vilkko

Knowledge Test: Information Retrieval: The test is open throughout the course and can be retaken until passed. This does not count as a partial completion.

Submission of Written Assignments to Moodle by May 9th, 2025, 16:00: Article analyses on qualitative research and functional development work, pair work. / Riitta Vilkko

Exam: (Final exam of the course in Exam) Week 20, duration one hour. Possible retakes in weeks 21 and 22. Grading: 0-5.

International connections

-

Completion alternatives

N/A

Student workload

5 ECTS = 135 hours of student work.

The course orientation and webinars are conducted on specific days and times, and they are recorded. Assignments and exams are also scheduled. Otherwise, the student plans the course progression schedule independently.

Content scheduling

Completing the course requires active participation, familiarization with materials, attendance at webinars, completion of assignments, and passing the exam within the given timeframe.

Further information

AI can be used in course assignments for information retrieval, defining concepts, and translating English words. The use of AI for generating text in written assignments is prohibited.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Satisfactory (1–2)
The student
- is familiar with the knowledge base and core components of the profession
- can search for information from a variety of sources
- is able to work in various tasks in different operating environments - demonstrates that they have achieved the targeted core competence
- is familiar with the key safety procedures in the profession
- adheres to ethical principles
- shares their competence in teams or projects.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good (3–4)
The student
- uses the concepts and knowledge base of the field consistently
- seeks information and assesses information sources and uses them critically - applies the knowledge base of the field in professional tasks
- applies their professional skill in various professional tasks
- acts independently and responsibly in professional situations
- takes safety into consideration when planning activities
- adheres to the ethical principles of the profession
- works in a goal-driven way in working groups or projects

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5)
The student
- uses the concepts and knowledge base of the field in an expert way
- understands the justification for the use of information sources
- is able to justify activities using researched knowledge or studies - works in diverse and international tasks and work situations
- works in a client-centric and entrepreneurial way
- acts responsibly and with safety in mind
- is able to justify their activities with the ethical principles of the profession - organises and steers the activities of a team or project

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Approved/Failed
The student
- can search for knowledge resourcefully utilising professional sources and uses the knowledge base of the field
- is familiar with the knowledge base and core components of the profession
- demonstrates having adequate professional skills to work in the profession
- demonstrates that they have achieved the targeted core competence
- works in a client-centric way
- adheres to ethical principles
- shares their competence in teams or projects
- is able to evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses and development needs
- is familiar with the key safety procedures in the profession
- shares their competence in teams or projects.

Assessment methods and criteria

Assignments: Pass-Fail
Exam: 0-5 (0-5 grading scale)