Research and Development (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

Pass/Fail

Objective

The student
- is familiar with the various stages of the research & development processes supporting the thesis project, research/development approaches, as well as different data collection and analysis options
- knows how to select the appropriate research & development approach and methods (data collection and analysis) for her own thesis project, apply them and justify her selections
- has the ability to critically evaluate the reliability of the research/thesis, its strengths and weaknesses as well as the usefulness of the results
- becomes acquainted with quantitative and qualitative research software applications

Content

- Research process (research design: research problem, research question, research approach, data collection and analysis methods, reliability check), thesis structure
Qualitative research:
- qualitative research methods
- data collection methods (observation, interviewing, document analysis), data analysis methods, reliability check, trials
Quantitative research:
- data collection (survey questionnaire), measurement scales, sampling, data analysis methods (statistics, direct distribution, cross tabulation, statistical tests, reliability and transfer ability of findings)
- electronic information collection methods and statistical data applications - trials and applications
Development and action research:
- methodological basis and applications
- generic structure of the thesis, evaluation criteria and trial implementation of the completed project

Location and time

Distance learning.

Materials

According the information described on course description, Optima materials and references used in learning assignments.

Teaching methods

Distance learning and no contact lessons. Student will start the course individually on that time, when her/his Thesis topical proposal is accepted. Implementation and learning is based on learning assignments which supports student's Thesis work.

Exam schedules

No final exam, instead learning assignments.

Completion alternatives

The admission procedures are described in the degree rule and the study guide. The teacher of the course will give you more information on possible specific course practices.

Student workload

One credit corresponds to an average of 27 hours of work, which means that the load of five credits is approximately 135 hours.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Sufficient (1) The student
- is familiar with the stages of the research and development process
- knows how to retrieve research information pertaining to the field of research and development
- is familiar with the key research and development methods and can describe their differences

Satisfactory (2) The student
- is capable of retrieving information pertaining to his or her field of research and development
- recognizes possibilities of application research and development methods

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good (3) The student - can independently find information pertaining to his or her field of research and development, and assess it in a critical manner - can select and use in his/her work the appropriate research and development methods - is familiar with the principles of research ethics

Very good (4) The student - can select the research and development technique and method appropriate for his or her research and development work, and apply them - can review the strength and weaknesses of his or her own work - is capable of acting in line with the principles of research ethics - can communicate the research and development plan in an analytical and objective way, both in writing and orally

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5) The student - is capable of retrieving extensive information pertaining to the research and development area, and is capable of critical assessment of the sources of information - can analyze differences between research and development methods and apply the methods to his or her work in an argumented manner - can analyze and assess the results and to critically review the strength and weaknesses of her own work

Qualifications

Sufficient exposure to the student's own professional field.