Research Methods in Social WorkLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

Students can find detect relevant and interesting research targets in their professional field. They are familiar with the research approaches and methods used in social sciences. Students know how to evaluate the suitability of various research approaches and methods for given targets. They know how to define a research task and how to formulate research questions. Students can explain the whole research process and its features in qualitative, quantitative and action research. They know how to use the most important qualitative and quantitative research tools and recognise the action research process. Students select and focus on one approach, qualitative, quantitative or action research.

Content

- research-mindedness
- research approaches and methods in social sciences
- defining research tasks and research problems
- the qualitative, quantitative and action reseach process
- the Webropol tool, tools for qualitative analysis
- Qualitative research methods: interview. observation
- Quantitative research methos: SPSS software, tables, indicators, graphics
- Action research methods: the action research process, use of multiple methods

Qualifications

Introduction to Research and Development

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The students
- can define the key features of qualitative, quantitative and action research orientations
- are able to use qualitative and quantitative research methods in analyzing reseach data under supervision
- are able to describe the action research process

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The students
- have ability to describe the key features of qualitative, quantitative and action research orientations
- have knowledge concerning the nature and the wholeness of research processes, where previously mentioned orientations are used
- have capacities to assess the applicibility of qualitative, quantitative and action research methods and orientation related to different research topics
- have ability to implement research by using qualitative, quantitative and action research.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The students
- possess the knowledge of the processes in qualitative, quantitative and action research orientations
- have ability to observe essential and meaningful research topics related to one's professional area
- have capacities to compare the applicibility of qualitative, quantitative and action research methods and orientation related to different research topics
- have ability to implement research by using qualitative, quantitative and action research in wide range.