Academic Research and StatisticsLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

Academic research:
The students perceive research and development as a part of professional expertise. They are able to identify and delineate meaningful development targets within their own field and activities. They know various approaches to R&D. They can perceive the background hypotheses of research, the various stages of the research process, and different alternatives for data collection.
The students know the value basis of their field and can comply with the principles of professional ethics.
The students master the methods and process of data collection. They can acquire and process the data available in the information sources of their field and evaluate the data they have collected. They can apply the existing information and procedures of their field to research and development activities.

The students can produce a clear, well-structured report in formal style. They know the characteristics of investigative writing, the structure of the thesis report, and related writing practices.

Statistical mathematics:
The students understand the concept of probability and master the stages of statistical research, the presentation of statistics, statistical numbers, and the basics of analysis.

Content

Academic research:
The planning of R&D activities and the factors affecting method choice. The thesis process, requirements for the thesis, the characteristics of investigative writing. R&D and application of research data as a part of professional activities. Research data collection as a part of information literacy, field-specific information sources. The structure of the thesis report and related writing practices. Presenting one’s work to an audience.

Statistical mathematics:
Data collection and forming an illustrative matrix, classification, tabulation and graphics, statistical numbers, probability and probability distributions, statistical correlation and regression, statistical decision-making.

Qualifications

All compulsory basic and professional studies

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Statistical mathematics 2/5 and academic research 3/5.
Statistical mathematics: assignments 30%, report 30%, exam 40%.
The completion of assignments + learning diaries are assessed as an entity.
Academic research:
o Excellent (5): The student can identify challenges to R&D in his/her environment, efficiently looks for reliable information to support his/her solutions, and expediently reports on the progress of his/her work both orally and in writing.
o Good (3-4): The student masters the main planning and data acquisition skills needed in R&D.
o Satisfactory (1-2): The student understands the key concepts and regularities of R&D.