Research Methods and Skills (5 ECTS)

Learning outcomes

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

Prerequisites

Completed higher education degree (Bachelor level)

Teaching methods

Lectures, videos, online discussions, assignments, online workshops in Moodle.

Location and time

Online lectures
3.9.2021 9:00-12:00
21.9.2021 17:00-20:00
28.9.2021 17:00-20:00
12.10. 2021 17:00-20:00

Lectures in Zoom, please check the link from Oma/Moodle.

Learning materials and recommended literature

Lecure notes

McNiff, J. & Whitehead, J. 2013 Action Research. Routledge. (eBook available in finna.metropolia.fi).

McNiff, J. & Whitehead, J. 2001. Action Research in Organisations. London: Routledge. (eBook available in finna.metropolia.fi)

Rauch, F. 2014. Promoting Change through Action Research. SensePublishers. (eBook available in finna.metropolia.fi)

International Journal of Action Research. Mering: Hampp. (access via finna.metropolia.fi)

Student workload

Lectures and online materials 40 h

Independent work and literature 40 h

Preparing assignments 50 h

Assessment methods and criteria

100 points total:

Action research part 70 points
Research methods 30 points
Quantitative methods
Qualitative methods
GDPR
Research communication pass/fail (has to be passed to pass the course)

40=1, 52=2, 64=3, 76=4, 88=5

Assignments:

1) Research communication test: pass/fail
2) Tests on quantitative and qualitative methods 30p
3) Action research related assignments
Thesis development plan / current state analysis 70p
(online workshops + final assignment: development plan)
1. Defining the research problem
2. Causes and effect of the research problem
3. Research questions (how is the problem solved?)
4. Aims of the development project
5. Methods
6. Estimating the costs and benefits of the solution
7. Metrics
8. Plan and schedule

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.