Methodological Studies (3 ECTS)

Objective

The objective is to familiarize the student with the foundations of cultural research, its main methods of research and acquiring information and the requirements of a final project.

The student will have knowledge of the research methods of his/her own field and will be able to apply them in an exercise for learning to analyse and reflect upon one’s own professional activity in written form. The student will be familiar with the requirements of polytechnic final projects.

Content

Information retrieval, methods of information retrieval, concept of information
Source-critical retrieval and use of information
Investigative learning
Research methods applicable to the field
Qualitative and quantitative research
Interview and survey techniques, observation
The hermeneutic approach
Statistical methods of analysis
A final project for a polytechnic

Materials

Slides, course book Ojasalo, Moilanen, Ritalahti: "Kehittämistyön menetelmät - uudenlaista osaamista liiketoimintaan" (2009) and other research literature.

Teaching methods

Interactive lecture, group work, cooperative learning, process writing/ essay

Employer connections

none

Exam schedules

none

Completion alternatives

none

Student workload

4 credits = 81 h:
Contact teaching and workshops: 32 h, 52 %
Reading: 10 h, 12 %
Coursework: 16 h, 20 %
Assignment: 23 h, 16 %

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student has a basic command on basic methods of development oriented research and some key methods. He/she can use at least one key method of development oriented methods and analyse the collected data. The student understands the quality requirements for the Bachelor's Thesis.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student knows principles and methods of development oriented research and can apply them to fill his/her practical needs. The student knows methodological possibilities of development oriented research and can prepare a plan for final thesis.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student knows well the principles and methods of development oriented research and can apply and analyse them to fill practical needs. The student has a deep understanding of the methodological possibilities of development oriented research. The student understands the quality requirements of the Bachelor's Thesis and can prepare an excellent plan for the thesis.

Assessment methods and criteria

Skills demonstration, activity, attendance, learning aasignment