Research Methods (2cr)

Objective

Students will be competent in assessing qualitative and quantitative research methods as regards various types of studies, and they will understand how to use them in their own research work. The aim is for students to understand the thesis writing process and be able to apply internal and external criteria to their thesis.

Content

Phases involved in the research and development process. Academic writing: style of an academic text, writing an academic text, language. Information acquisition, use of sources, citation techniques. Research methods and applying them to thesis topics.

Qualifications

No previous studies are required.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Grading will be announced during the course.

Materials

-Holopainen, M & Pulkkinen, P.2008. Tilastolliset menetelmät. 5th edition. WSOY. (applicable parts)

- Tuomi, J. & Sarajärvi, A. 2002 (or later edition) Laadullinen tutkimus ja sisällönanalyysi. Tammi. 20. (applicable parts)

-David Silverman: Doing qualitative research, A Practical handbook. London: Sage 2000 (or later edition)

- A. Berger: Media and communication research methods: an introduction to qualitative and quantitative approaches. Thousand Oaks (Calif.): Sage 2000 (or later edition)

Teaching methods

Lectures and assignments