Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Research in Psychology
Course Code
VPUPK_278
Branch of Science
Psychology
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Psychology
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Valentīna Krūmiņa
Structure Unit Manager
Kristīne Mārtinsone
Structural Unit
Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
Contacts
Riga, Dzirciema street, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587
About Study Course
Objective
To promote students' understanding of research in social sciences, stages, and basic principles of psychology research; to improve the ability to select, summarise and analyse published research on a particular topic; to develop the ability to prepare, justify and execute a study project in psychology in accordance with the basic principles of research and to present it;
Preliminary Knowledge
Introduction to professional work, general psychology.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Students use the basic research terminology; explain the differences between the qualitative and quantitative research strategy and the different study designs; describe the methods of data acquisition and basic analysis.
Skills
1.Students identify current research problems in psychology; select, analyse, compare and critically evaluate published studies in psychology; analyse the scientific strength of the studies; formulate research questions relevant to the purpose of the study; understands basic principles for the ethical application of digital tools in research.
Competences
1.Students work with scientific literature, correctly read and discuss the data presented in the articles. Students develop research project, justifying the topicality of the research; define the goal, research question/hypothesis; create a targeted literature review, choose suitable data acquisition methods, integrate ethical requirements into own study project.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Individual work |
-
|
-
|
|
To read the literature sources indicated.
To independently watch videolectures and pass the self-check tasks before the practical class on the topic.
Develop research project in psychology
After finishing the course, fill the course evaluation survey.
|
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Examination |
-
|
10 points
|
|
The final grade will consist of a cumulative assessment of: (1) written in-person test on topics acquired in lectures - 20% (2) intermediate tests - 10% (3) task related to conference - 10% (4) development and defence of research project - 60% Detailed description of evaluation criteria available in e-learning environment. In accordance with Paragraph 3.9 of RSU academic Regulations I, attendance of classes is mandatory and registered. At the end of each class, the student shall additionally submit a work sheet completed in accordance with the criteria specified in the e-environment and, if the criteria are met, receive a “passed” assessment |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introductory questions. Scientific and non-scientific research. Pseudo-science. Science and clinical practice. Evidence-based practice. Scientific activities: science, research, innovation.
Description
Annotation: Introductory questions. Scientific and non-scientific research. Pseudo-science. Science and clinical practice. Evidence-based practice. Scientific activities: science, research, innovation.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introductory questions. Scientific and non-scientific research. Pseudo-science. Science and clinical practice. Evidence-based practice. Scientific activities: science, research, innovation.
Description
Annotation: Introductory questions. Scientific and non-scientific research. Pseudo-science. Science and clinical practice. Evidence-based practice. Scientific activities: science, research, innovation.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Digitisation in research
Description
The concept of digitisation in research, risks and ethical issues related to the use of digital tools in research, factors to consider when selecting tools for the research process |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research in psychology: basic concepts – variable, measurement, sampling, population. Statistical relationships between variables. Research question, scientific literature.
Description
Annotation: Research in psychology: basic concepts – variable, measurement, sampling, population. Statistical relationships between variables. Research question, scientific literature.
Topics covered during the class: 1) What is operationalization?
2) How to define research problem and aim?
3) How to define research question?
4) Selection of scientific literature according to operationalized variables.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research in psychology: basic concepts – variable, measurement, sampling, population. Statistical relationships between variables. Research question, scientific literature.
Description
Annotation: Research in psychology: basic concepts – variable, measurement, sampling, population. Statistical relationships between variables. Research question, scientific literature.
Topics covered during the class: 1) What is operationalization?
2) How to define research problem and aim?
3) How to define research question?
4) Selection of scientific literature according to operationalized variables.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychological measurements. Measurement scales. Reliability and validity of psychological measurement.
Description
Annotation: Psychological measurements. Measurement scales. Reliability and validity of psychological measurement.
Topics covered during the class: 1) What scales are used in psychology research?
2) What is reliability and validity?
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychological measurements. Measurement scales. Reliability and validity of psychological measurement.
Description
Annotation: Psychological measurements. Measurement scales. Reliability and validity of psychological measurement.
Topics covered during the class: 1) What scales are used in psychology research?
2) What is reliability and validity?
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Legal and ethical aspects of the study. Moral principles and code of ethics in research. Informed consent, debriefing, academic integrity.
Description
Annotation: Legal and ethical aspects of the study. Moral principles and code of ethics in research. Informed consent, debriefing, academic integrity.
Topics covered during the class: 1) What are the main ethical aspects in research?
2) Preparing informed consent.
3) How to identify and escape plagiarism.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Legal and ethical aspects of the study. Moral principles and code of ethics in research. Informed consent, debriefing, academic integrity.
Description
Annotation: Legal and ethical aspects of the study. Moral principles and code of ethics in research. Informed consent, debriefing, academic integrity.
Topics covered during the class: 1) What are the main ethical aspects in research?
2) Preparing informed consent.
3) How to identify and escape plagiarism.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theory in psychological research.
Description
Annotation: Theory in psychological research. Phenomenon and theory. Types of psychological theories. Use of the theory in a psychological study.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theory in psychological research.
Description
Annotation: Theory in psychological research. Phenomenon and theory. Types of psychological theories. Use of the theory in a psychological study.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Quantitative design studies. Data acquisition in quantitative studies.
Description
Annotation: Experimental research in psychology. The internal and external validity of the experiment. Independent, dependent, controllable and confused variables. Experimental designs for Inter Groups and In-Groups. Placebo effect.
Nonexperimental research in psychology. Case study, cross-sectional studies, longitudinal studies.
Sample and methods on choosing sample.
Data acquisition in quantitative studies - methods.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Quantitative design studies. Data acquisition in quantitative studies.
Description
Annotation: Experimental research in psychology. The internal and external validity of the experiment. Independent, dependent, controllable and confused variables. Experimental designs for Inter Groups and In-Groups. Placebo effect.
Nonexperimental research in psychology. Case study, cross-sectional studies, longitudinal studies.
Sample and methods on choosing sample.
Data acquisition in quantitative studies - methods.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Quantitative design studies. Data acquisition in quantitative studies.
Description
Annotation: Experimental research in psychology. The internal and external validity of the experiment. Independent, dependent, controllable and confused variables. Experimental designs for Inter Groups and In-Groups. Placebo effect.
Nonexperimental research in psychology. Case study, cross-sectional studies, longitudinal studies.
Sample and methods on choosing sample.
Data acquisition in quantitative studies - methods.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Qualitative research design.
Description
Annotation: Qualitative research. Data acquisition and analysis in qualitative research. Sampling methods in qualitative research.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Mixed study design.
Description
Annotation: Mixed-methods study.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Systematic review and its types.
Description
Annotation: Systematic review and its types. Steps in developing systematic review.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Data management in a study
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Applying mathematical statistics in psychology research.
Description
Abstract: Basics of data analysis in a quantitative study. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Applying mathematical statistics in psychology research.
Description
Abstract: Basics of data analysis in a quantitative study. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Development and adaptation of research instruments
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research development. Results, Discussion and conclusions
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Publication and presentation of research results.
Description
Annotation: Preparing research report. Dissemination - article, conference, collaboration with public. Open science.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research project development seminars
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research project development seminars
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research project development seminars
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research project development seminars
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research project development seminars
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research project development seminars
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research project development seminars
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
60 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
PART-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introductory questions. Scientific and non-scientific research. Pseudo-science. Science and clinical practice. Evidence-based practice. Scientific activities: science, research, innovation.
Description
Annotation: Introductory questions. Scientific and non-scientific research. Pseudo-science. Science and clinical practice. Evidence-based practice. Scientific activities: science, research, innovation.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Digitisation in research
Description
The concept of digitisation in research, risks and ethical issues related to the use of digital tools in research, factors to consider when selecting tools for the research process |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research in psychology: basic concepts – variable, measurement, sampling, population. Statistical relationships between variables. Research question, scientific literature.
Description
Annotation: Research in psychology: basic concepts – variable, measurement, sampling, population. Statistical relationships between variables. Research question, scientific literature.
Topics covered during the class: 1) What is operationalization?
2) How to define research problem and aim?
3) How to define research question?
4) Selection of scientific literature according to operationalized variables.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research in psychology: basic concepts – variable, measurement, sampling, population. Statistical relationships between variables. Research question, scientific literature.
Description
Annotation: Research in psychology: basic concepts – variable, measurement, sampling, population. Statistical relationships between variables. Research question, scientific literature.
Topics covered during the class: 1) What is operationalization?
2) How to define research problem and aim?
3) How to define research question?
4) Selection of scientific literature according to operationalized variables.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychological measurements. Measurement scales. Reliability and validity of psychological measurement.
Description
Annotation: Psychological measurements. Measurement scales. Reliability and validity of psychological measurement.
Topics covered during the class: 1) What scales are used in psychology research?
2) What is reliability and validity?
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Legal and ethical aspects of the study. Moral principles and code of ethics in research. Informed consent, debriefing, academic integrity.
Description
Annotation: Legal and ethical aspects of the study. Moral principles and code of ethics in research. Informed consent, debriefing, academic integrity.
Topics covered during the class: 1) What are the main ethical aspects in research?
2) Preparing informed consent.
3) How to identify and escape plagiarism.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theory in psychological research.
Description
Annotation: Theory in psychological research. Phenomenon and theory. Types of psychological theories. Use of the theory in a psychological study.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Quantitative design studies. Data acquisition in quantitative studies.
Description
Annotation: Experimental research in psychology. The internal and external validity of the experiment. Independent, dependent, controllable and confused variables. Experimental designs for Inter Groups and In-Groups. Placebo effect.
Nonexperimental research in psychology. Case study, cross-sectional studies, longitudinal studies.
Sample and methods on choosing sample.
Data acquisition in quantitative studies - methods.
|
|
Qualitative research design.
Description
Annotation: Qualitative research. Data acquisition and analysis in qualitative research. Sampling methods in qualitative research.
|
|
Mixed study design.
Description
Annotation: Mixed-methods study.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Systematic review and its types.
Description
Annotation: Systematic review and its types. Steps in developing systematic review.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Data management in a study
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Applying mathematical statistics in psychology research.
Description
Abstract: Basics of data analysis in a quantitative study. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Development and adaptation of research instruments
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Publication and presentation of research results.
Description
Annotation: Preparing research report. Dissemination - article, conference, collaboration with public. Open science.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research project development seminars
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research project development seminars
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research project development seminars
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research project development seminars
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
34 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Mārtinsone K., & Pipere A. (red.) (2021). Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: Starpdisciplināra perspektīva. RSU izdevniecība.
2.
Privitera, G.J. (2025). Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences. 4th ed. SAGE Publishing
3.
Puriņa-Biezā, K.E., Ozoliņa, L., Anohina-Naumeca, A., un Jansone-Ratinika, N. (2024). Vadlīnijas "Mākslīgais intelekts augstākajā izglītībā". Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte
Additional Reading
1.
Pētniecības terminu vārdnīca.
2.
Zinātniskie raksti no Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Ebsco u.c. datu bāzēm.
3.
Goodwin, K., A. (2018). Research in Psychology: Methods and Design. Wiley Custom.
4.
Znotiņa, I., un Vītola, B. (2025). Informācijas meklēšanas pamati elektroniskajos resursos. Rīga: RSU.