Curricula

Objectives

Purpose of the course
The aim of the course is to understand the meaning of quantitative research and learn to use quantitative research methods in working life development and research.

Competences
Learning and information management
Ethical competence

Subject specific competences

Learning outcomes
Student knows basics of quantitative research and some methodology. Student understands the strengths and the weaknesses of quantitative research. Student has an ability to conduct a quantitative research and assess it as well as its applicability to his or her own field of research and development work. Student can identify the applicability of various types of qualitative data and methods for solving different types of research questions.

Content

Epistemological grounds of quantitative research
Definition of the research topic, formulation of the research questions
Process of quantitative research
Methods of data collection
Main analysis methods for Master's thesis
Reliability of quantitative research
Ethics in quantitative research

Time and location

Remote lectures in Zoom

Wed 22.01.2025 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom
Wed 05.02.2025 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom
Wed 19.02.2025 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom
Wed 05.03.2025 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom
Wed 19.03.2025 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom (Exam)

Learning materials and recommended literature

Relevant journals and articles with quantitative research methods and resources assigned by the teacher.

Teaching methods

Lectures
Video material
Literature review and assignments
Guidance and feedback

Practical training and working life connections

The course supports the process of thesis writing and the related cooperation with the commissioner.

Exam dates and retake possibilities

Wed 19.03.2025 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom (Exam)
If necessary, a re-exam in two weeks.

International connections

The course is conducted in English and international research publications and articles will be used.

Alternative completion methods

Accreditation (replacement and inclusion)
Recognition of informal learning
Studification

Further instructions can be found in the Degree Regulations and in the degree study guide.

Student workload

Allocation of time on various tasks and student work load in total 135h
Lectures 8h
Independent familiarization with own thesis data 37h
Independent review assignments 80h
Preparing for the exam 10h

Content scheduling

Lectures:

Lecture 1: Wed 22.01.2025 at 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom
Lecture 2: Wed 05.02.2025 at 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom
Lecture 3: Wed 19.02.2025 at 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom
Lecture 4: Wed 05.03.2025 at 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom
Exam: Wed 19.03.2025 at 17.00 - 19.00 Zoom

Further information for students

The assessment of the course is based on the following credits:
- active participation in lectures, exam and assignments (100%, 5 ECTS)

Grading scale 0-5 (exam, assignment)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Evaluation criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Sufficient 1
The student demonstrates an understanding of the epistemological grounds of quantitative research as well as its strengths and weaknesses. The student recognises different quantitative materials and methods that are suited for the solution of different types of research assignments. The student has basic preparedness to carry out quantitative research. The student perceives how quantitative research is assessed.

Satisfactory 2
The student demonstrates an understanding of the epistemological grounds of quantitative research as well as its strengths and weaknesses. The student recognises and is able to select different quantitative materials and methods that are suited for the solution of different types of research assignments. The student has basic preparedness to carry out quantitative research. The student perceives how quantitative research is assessed and applies the information to the research and development work of his/her own field.

Evaluation criteria, good (3-4)

Good 3
The student demonstrates an understanding of the epistemological grounds of quantitative research as well as its strengths and weaknesses. The student selects and justifies his/her choice of quantitative material and methods that are suited to solving the research assignments of his/her thesis. The student has good preparedness to carry out quantitative research. The student can assess quantitative research and applies the information to the research and development work of his/her own field.

Very good 4
The student specifies with justifications the epistemological grounds and methods of his/her quantitative research. The student competently examines the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative research. The student assesses the suitability of different quantitative materials and methods to solving different types of research assignments. The student has very good preparedness to carry out quantitative research. The student assesses quantitative research and its applicability to the research and development work of his/her own field.

Evaluation criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent 5
The student specifies with justifications the epistemological grounds and methods of his/her quantitative research. The student competently examines the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative research. The student assesses the suitability of different quantitative materials and methods to solving different types of research assignments. The student has excellent preparedness to carry out quantitative research. The student critically assesses quantitative research and its applicability to the research and development work of his/her own field.