Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 25/26.R.3.00

Description Period: 2025./26 academic year rudens semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methodology

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VPUPK_271
Branch of Science
General Psychology; Psychology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Psychology
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Kristīne Mārtinsone
Structure Unit Manager
Kristīne Mārtinsone
Structural Unit
Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
Contacts

Riga, 16 Dzirciema Street, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587

About Study Course

Objective

To advance postgraduates' understanding of research methodology and to improve their ability to conduct independent research projects in accordance with contemporary research principles, demonstrating the ability to identify research problem or topic in accordance with socially relevant problems in a particular sub-branch of psychology, to identify relevant research issues, to design a study, sampling and research methods, to formulate research questions or hypotheses based on relevant literature, and design and present the research project.

Preliminary Knowledge

Knowledge in research methodology gained during Bachelor’s studies.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Students describe, analyse, compare and explain the designs of a quantitative and qualitative study, describe the criteria for scientific strength.

2.Uses research terminology.

3.Describe the content and structure of the research project, namely the identified subject problem or overall subject of the study, the research question or hypothesis raised, the planned study course (procedure), the determined study sample and the methods to be used in the study, and analyse the information according to qualitative research principles.

Skills

1.Students apply knowledge to identify issues that are current and relevant to research in psychology science in society and to choose the problem or topic of research to be studied, to raise research hypotheses or research issues, to select and critically evaluate appropriate sources of information for the creation of theoretical justification of the work and for the justification of methodology.

2.Explain the differences between the quantitative and qualitative study and assess their strengths and limitations.

3.Is building a project of its own research.

4.The ethical requirements of the scientific study in their project shall apply.

5.Presents and defends the research project. Skills to present theoretical material synthesis and analysis results and data collection and analysis skills in qualitative research.

Competences

1.Students develop their own potential research project by demonstrating the ability to identify the research problem or the overall theme of the research, using knowledge and skills related to the basic principles of psychology research and relevant to societal concerns in a particular branch of psychology, demonstrating skills to create a literature review, to formulate research problem, justify topicality of the research, to formulate the research goal and question/hypothesis, choose appropriate research methods, evaluate the limitations of the research project and apply ethical principles.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work
-
-

Independently and systematically, when reading the specified literature sources, strengthen the material acquired in lectures and prepare for the test work on general issues of methodology.
2.

Independent work
10.00% from total grade
10 points

Prepare an AI usage task.
3.

Task in group
-
-

Prepare qualitative data analyses in the task group.
4.

Presentation
-
-

Create a presentation of your research project.
5.

Voluntary task
-
-

Develop a volunteer task/us by providing feedback on new materials.
6.

Questionnaire
-
-

In order to evaluate the quality of the study course as a whole, the student must complete the study course evaluation questionnaire on the student portal.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Examination
20.00% from total grade
10 points

Test work on general issues of study methodology, quantitative and qualitative methodology - intermediate report.
2.

Cross-reference
10.00% from total grade
10 points

Task on qualitative study methodology (data analysis) - cross-reference.
3.

Draft study
60.00% from total grade
10 points

After three passed intermediate scores: designing and presenting your research project (60%).

For more detailed assessment sub-criteria for each of the basic sections of the assessment criteria (three intermediate scores and one exam), see the e-environment of the course at each intermediate and the description of the exam instructions/requirements.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Introduction to the research methodology. Selection of research topic and research process
Description

Abstract: Introductory lecture in research methodology. Study strategies, their comparison by theoretical and practical criteria. Basic questions of philosophy in science. Information about AI tasks. Information on the preparation and presentation of the research project. Information on voluntary tasks. Literature: Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London: SAGE Publications, Inc. Goodwin, C. J. (2016). Research in Psychology: Methods and Design (8th Ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Robson, C. (2017) Real World Research: A Resource for users of Social Research methods in applied settings. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Introduction to the research methodology. Selection of research topic and research process
Description

Abstract: Introductory lecture in research methodology. Study strategies, their comparison by theoretical and practical criteria. Basic questions of philosophy in science. Information about AI tasks. Information on the preparation and presentation of the research project. Information on voluntary tasks. Literature: Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London: SAGE Publications, Inc. Goodwin, C. J. (2016). Research in Psychology: Methods and Design (8th Ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Robson, C. (2017) Real World Research: A Resource for users of Social Research methods in applied settings. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Systematic reviews and metaanalysis
Description
Annotation: Types of systematic reviews: narrative, activity review, systematic review, meta-analysis. Steps to create a systematic review, definition of relevant research questions and data sources. PRISMA guidelines – what it means and what to pay attention to. Types of metaanalysis and prerequisites for performing. Literature: Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London: SAGE Publications, Inc. Goodwin, C. J. (2016). Research in psychology: Methods and design (8th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Lawrence, W. N. (2014). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches, 7th edition. London: Pearson. Leavy, P. (2017). Research design: Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, arts-based, and community-based participatory research approaches. The Guilford Press Robson, C. (2017). Real-world research: A resource for users of social research methods in applied settings. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Quantitative research designs and scientific rigour. Reflection on systematic reviews and metaanalysis.
Description
Annotation: Quantitative research designs. Hierarchy of evidence. Evidence-based practice: benefits and limitations. Reflection on systematic reviews and metaanalysis. Literature: Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London: SAGE Publications, Inc. Goodwin, C. J. (2016). Research in psychology: Methods and design (8th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Lawrence, W. N. (2014). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches, 7th edition. London: Pearson. Leavy, P. (2017). Research design: Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, arts-based, and community-based participatory research approaches. The Guilford Press. Millsap, R. E. & Maydeu-Olivares, A. (2011). The SAGE handbook of quantitative methods in psychology. Sage Ltd. Robson, C. (2017). Real-world research: A resource for users of social research methods in applied settings. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Quantitative research designs and scientific rigour. Reflection on systematic reviews and metaanalysis.
Description
Annotation: Quantitative research designs. Hierarchy of evidence. Evidence-based practice: benefits and limitations. Reflection on systematic reviews and metaanalysis. Literature: Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London: SAGE Publications, Inc. Goodwin, C. J. (2016). Research in psychology: Methods and design (8th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Lawrence, W. N. (2014). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches, 7th edition. London: Pearson. Leavy, P. (2017). Research design: Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, arts-based, and community-based participatory research approaches. The Guilford Press. Millsap, R. E. & Maydeu-Olivares, A. (2011). The SAGE handbook of quantitative methods in psychology. Sage Ltd. Robson, C. (2017). Real-world research: A resource for users of social research methods in applied settings. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Introduction to qualitative research. Research designs and scientific rigour. Methods of data collection
Description
Annotation: Issues of philosophy of science in the context of qualitative research. Introduction to qualitative research. Designs of qualitative research (grounded theory, ethnography, phenomenology, action research etc.). Scientific rigour in qualitative research. Methods of data collection (observation, qualitative surveys, interviews, focus groups, document analysis, visual methods etc.). Literature: Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London: SAGE Publications, Inc Creswell, J. W. (2018). Qualitative inquiry & research design choosing among 5 approaches (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc. Denzin, N.K., Linkoln, Y. S. (ed. ). (2011). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc. Lawrence, W. N. (2014). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (7th ed.). London: Pearson. Leavy, P. (ed.). (2014). The Oxford handbook of qualitative research. Oxford University Press, NY. Leavy, P (2017). Research design: Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, arts-based, and community-based participatory research approaches. The Guilford Press. Willig, C., Stainton-Rogers, W. (ed.). (2017). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research in psychology (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Introduction to qualitative research. Research designs and scientific rigour. Methods of data collection
Description
Annotation: Issues of philosophy of science in the context of qualitative research. Introduction to qualitative research. Designs of qualitative research (grounded theory, ethnography, phenomenology, action research etc.). Scientific rigour in qualitative research. Methods of data collection (observation, qualitative surveys, interviews, focus groups, document analysis, visual methods etc.). Literature: Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London: SAGE Publications, Inc Creswell, J. W. (2018). Qualitative inquiry & research design choosing among 5 approaches (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc. Denzin, N.K., Linkoln, Y. S. (ed. ). (2011). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc. Lawrence, W. N. (2014). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (7th ed.). London: Pearson. Leavy, P. (ed.). (2014). The Oxford handbook of qualitative research. Oxford University Press, NY. Leavy, P (2017). Research design: Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, arts-based, and community-based participatory research approaches. The Guilford Press. Willig, C., Stainton-Rogers, W. (ed.). (2017). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research in psychology (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Data analysis in qualitative research.
Description
Annotation: General overview of the data analysis in qualitative research. Methods of data analysis in qualitative research (thematic analysis, qualitative content analysis, narrative analysis, discourse analysis, continuous comparative analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis etc.). Information on the practical task of the qualitative data analysis. Outcomes of AI tasks. Literature: Denzin, N.K., Linkoln, Y. S. (ed. ). (2011). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc. Leavy, P. (ed.). (2014). The Oxford handbook of qualitative research. Oxford University Press, NY. Willig, C., Stainton-Rogers, W. (ed.). (2017). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research in psychology (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Data analysis in qualitative research.
Description
Annotation: General overview of the data analysis in qualitative research. Methods of data analysis in qualitative research (thematic analysis, qualitative content analysis, narrative analysis, discourse analysis, continuous comparative analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis etc.). Information on the practical task of the qualitative data analysis. Outcomes of AI tasks. Literature: Denzin, N.K., Linkoln, Y. S. (ed. ). (2011). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc. Leavy, P. (ed.). (2014). The Oxford handbook of qualitative research. Oxford University Press, NY. Willig, C., Stainton-Rogers, W. (ed.). (2017). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research in psychology (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Test on the quantitative and qualitative research methodology
Description

Annotation: The test items are based on the source listed in the list of mandatory literature sources: Mārtinsone, K. and Pipere, A. (Eds.) Methodology of scientific activity: an interdisciplinary perspective. Riga RSU, 2021. The test consists of 50 closed-ended questions with four multiple-choice questions. Each question has only one correct answer, which corresponds to the explanation of concepts given in the above-mentioned literary source. During the test performance, you have the opportunity to move freely around the questions, returning and correcting the submitted answers. For each correct answer, one point is assigned, which is then converted into a percentage in the system to calculate the rating obtained in the test. The test is considered passed if at least 55% of the correct answers are given. The time allotted for the test is 60 minutes; one attempt to take the test is allowed. Literature: Boland, A., Cherry, M. G., Dickson, R. (2017). Doing a systematic review: a student’s guide. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Presentation of research project and discussion
Description
Annotation: Identification of current and significant problems in society, which are appropriate for research in psychological science, selection of a research problem or research topic, raising a research hypothesis or research questions, planning the course (procedure) of the research, determining the sample of the study and the design and methods to be used in the study. Literature: Denzin, N.K., Linkoln, Y. S. (ed. ). (2011). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc. Leavy, P. (ed.). (2014). The Oxford handbook of qualitative research. Oxford University Press, NY. Willig, C., Stainton-Rogers, W. (ed.). (2017). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research in psychology (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Presentation of research project and discussion
Description
Annotation: Identification of current and significant problems in society, which are appropriate for research in psychological science, selection of a research problem or research topic, raising a research hypothesis or research questions, planning the course (procedure) of the research, determining the sample of the study and the design and methods to be used in the study. Literature: Denzin, N.K., Linkoln, Y. S. (ed. ). (2011). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc. Leavy, P. (ed.). (2014). The Oxford handbook of qualitative research. Oxford University Press, NY. Willig, C., Stainton-Rogers, W. (ed.). (2017). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research in psychology (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London: SAGE Publications, Inc.

2.

Denzin, N.K., Linkoln, Y. S. (ed.). (2024). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (6th ed.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc.

3.

Goodwin, C. J. (2018). Research in psychology: Methods and design (8th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

4.

Mārtinsone, K. un Šneidere, K. (red.). (2020). Metodiskie norādījumi maģistra darbu izstrādei RSU psiholoģijas, mākslu terapijas un supervīzijas studiju programmās. Rīga: RSU.

5.

Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. (zin. red.). (2021). Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: Starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Rīga: RSU.

6.

Robson, C. (2017). Real world research: A resource for users of social research methods in applied settings. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

Additional Reading

1.

Appelbaum, M., Cooper, H., Kline, R. B., Mayo-Wilson, E., et.al. (2018). Journal article reporting standards for quantitative research in psychology: The APA publications and communications board task force report.

2.

Becker, L. (2015). Writing successful reports and dissertations. London: SAGE Publications, Inc.

3.

Creswell, J. W. (2018). Qualitative inquiry & research design choosing among 5 approaches (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc.

4.

Lawrence, W. N. (2014). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative Approaches, 7th edition. London: Pearson.

5.

Leavy, P. (ed.). (2014). The Oxford handbook of qualitative research. Oxford University Press, NY.

6.

Leavy, P (2022). Research design: Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, arts-based, and community-based participatory research approaches. The Guilford Press.

7.

Levitt, H.M., Bamberg, M., Creswell, J.W., et.al. (2018). Journal article reporting standards for qualitative primary, qualitative meta-analytic, and mixed methods research in psychology: The APA publications..

8.

Mārtinsone, K. un Pipere, A. (red.). (2019). Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījumu rezultātu izplatīšana. Rīga: RSU izdevniecība.

9.

Millsap, R. E. & Maydeu-Olivares, A. (2011). The SAGE handbook of quantitative methods in psychology. Sage Ltd.

10.

Vogt, W. P., Gardner. D. C., & Haeffele, L. M. (2012). When to use what research design. The Guilford Press.

11.

Willig, C., Stainton-Rogers, W. (ed.). (2017). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research in psychology (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Other Information Sources

1.

Charmaz, H. (2024). Constructing grounded theory (Introducing qualitative methods series) (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications Ltd.

2.

Clandinin, D.J. (2022). Engaging in narrative inquiry. 2nd ed. London: Routledge.

3.

Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2017). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). Sage.

4.

Fetterman, D. (2019). Ethnography: Step-by-step (Applied social research methods) (4th ed.). Sage.

5.

MacLin, K. (2020). Experimental design in psychology: A case approach (9th ed.). Routledge.

6.

McNiff, J. (2017). Action research: All you need to know. SAGE Publications Ltd.

7.

Menard, S. (2002). Longitudinal research (Quantitative applications in the social sciences) (2nd ed.). Sage.

8.

Pētniecības terminu skaidrojošā vārdnīca (zin. red. Mārtinsone, K., Pipere A.)

9.

Reichard, C. S. (2019). Quasi-experimentation: A guide to design and analysis (methodology in the social sciences). The Guilford Press.

10.

Tashakkori, A. M., Burke Johnson, R., & Teddlie, C. B. (2020). Foundations of mixed methods research: Integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches in the social and behavioral sciences (Applied social research methods) (2nd ed.). Sage.

11.

Turner, D. W. (2010). Qualitative interview design: A practical guide for novice investigators. The Qualitative Report, 15(3), 754-760.

12.

Vagle, M. D. (2018). Crafting phenomenological research (2nd ed.). Routledge.

13.

Pētījumi datu bāzēs, atbilstoši izvēlētajai projekta tēmai psiholoģijā.

14.

Mākslīgā intelekta rīks Scopus AI (RSU abonēts uz visu 2025. gadu)