Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Research Methodology

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VPUPK_096
Branch of Science
Psychology
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Psychology
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

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

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

About Study Course

Objective

To deepen MA students' comprehension of research, to improve the ability to summarise and analyse the published studies, to develop the ability to elaborate and substantiate a draft study according to the basic principles of research and to present it.

Preliminary Knowledge

Bachelor's experience in research, introduction to the professional activity and the history of the professional activity.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.After completing the course, you will be able to: Use research terminology; explain the differences between qualitative and quantitative research strategies and different research designs; describe the research process.

Skills

1.Identify, analyse, compare and critically evaluate published studies, in accordance with the scientific strength criteria of the study strategy and design. Identify actual study problems, formulate the problem to be studied, raise relevant study questions or hypotheses. Select a study strategy and study design, appropriate for the study problem. Select appropriate methods for data extraction and analysis, develop theoretical justification for the study, identify potential risks and hazards for the study, use and critically evaluate the application of AI tools in research.

Competences

1.Elaborate their own potential draft study, substantiating the topicality and problem of the study, formulating the aim and the research issue/ hypothesis, forming purposeful bibliography by choosing appropriate methods of data acquisition and analysis and integrating the ethical requirements of scientific research in the draft; critically evaluate the possibilities and restrictions for the implementation of the draft study; present and defend the draft study. Develop and present their own draft study.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work

-
-

1. Read literature sources and prepare for a test on terms.

2. Create a literature review on the topic of the research project.

3. Prepared and completed independent works on the specific topics learned in the study course for each lecture and lesson.

4. According to the given criteria, analyze 2 studies, submit it in Word format and present it to the group.

5. To carry out a task in connection with the conference.

6. Prepare a study project according to the provided criteria, submit in Word format, prepare a presentation and present it.

7. Completed course feedback.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Examination

-
10 points

Self-examination tasks, individually and in small groups, are not included in the final assessment.

2.

Literature review

-
Test

Literature review of the selected topic of the research project - passed/failed.

3.

Test

20.00% from total grade
10 points

Test for terms – 20% of final assessment (grade).

4.

Study

30.00% from total grade
10 points

Analysis and presentation of studies – 30% of final assessment (grade).

5.

Conference

-
Test

Conference task - passed/failed.

6.

Exam

50.00% from total grade
10 points

Exam – development and presentation of their research project – 50% of the final assessment (grade).

7.

Requirements

-
-

In accordance with Paragraph 3.9 of RSU academic Regulations I, attendance of classes is mandatory and registered. Only students who have submitted all the written work provided for in the course (including in previous semesters) are admitted to the final examination. If one of the works to be submitted is submitted after the due date, the final grade on the course is reduced by one ball.

8.

Final assessment

-
-

All grade tests must be passed successfully. Passing a seamless exam is a prerequisite for a final assessment, regardless of the results of the other components of the cumulative assessment. If the exam has not been passed successfully, the final assessment on the course has also failed.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

An overview of research approaches in the health care setting
Description
Annotation: Scientific activities. Science, research, innovation. Basic questions of science philosophy. Evidence-based practices: benefits and limits. Evidence Hierarchy. Scientific strength in the study. Legal and ethical aspects of the study. Topics covered during the class: Please describe what is: Scientific activities; Science, research, innovation; Basic questions of science philosophy; Evidence-based practices: benefits and limits; Evidence Hierarchy; Scientific strength in the study; Legal and ethical aspects of the study. Literature: Mārtinsone, K. un Pipere, A. (Zin.red.) Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplinārā perspektīva. Rīga: RSU, 2021, 608 lpp. Pages 37 to 121 should be read.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

An overview of research approaches in the health care setting
Description
Annotation: Scientific activities. Science, research, innovation. Basic questions of science philosophy. Evidence-based practices: benefits and limits. Evidence Hierarchy. Scientific strength in the study. Legal and ethical aspects of the study. Topics covered during the class: Please describe what is: Scientific activities; Science, research, innovation; Basic questions of science philosophy; Evidence-based practices: benefits and limits; Evidence Hierarchy; Scientific strength in the study; Legal and ethical aspects of the study. Literature: Mārtinsone, K. un Pipere, A. (Zin.red.) Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplinārā perspektīva. Rīga: RSU, 2021, 608 lpp. Pages 37 to 121 should be read.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Quantitative research strategy designs and scientific strength
Description
Annotation: Quantitative research strategy. Quantitative research designs. Experimental and non-experimental studies. Data mining methods. Scientific strength. Topics covered during the class: Please describe what is: Research strategies and designs, compare; Research design selection criteria Criteria of scientific strength Literature: Mārtinsone, K. un Pipere, A. (Zin.red.) Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplinārā perspektīva. Rīga: RSU, 2021.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Quantitative research strategy designs and scientific strength
Description
Annotation: Quantitative research strategy. Quantitative research designs. Experimental and non-experimental studies. Data mining methods. Scientific strength. Topics covered during the class: Please describe what is: Research strategies and designs, compare; Research design selection criteria Criteria of scientific strength Literature: Mārtinsone, K. un Pipere, A. (Zin.red.) Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplinārā perspektīva. Rīga: RSU, 2021.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Data sources
Description
Annotation: Source of data. Primary, secondary and tertiary data. Types of samples: Probability, non-probability methods. Sampling methods. Topics covered during the class: Please describe what is: Data sources Types of sampling Sampling methods Literature: Mārtinsone, K. un Pipere, A. (Zin.red.) Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplinārā perspektīva. Rīga: RSU, 2021.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Data collection methods
Description
Annotation: Data acquisition methods. Stages and conditions of tool development (design), article formulation, scale selection and adaptation. Psychometric properties of instrumentation. Topics covered during the class: 1. Name and describe the main data acquisition methods in the study. 2. What are the three main psychometric features of quantitative data collection tools? 3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of adapting a test / survey and developing a new test / survey? 4. Name and briefly describe the main principles and techniques for ensuring the objectivity of the survey method! Literature: Mārtinsone, K. un Šneidere, K. (red.). (2020). Metodiskie norādījumi maģistra darbu izstrādei RSU psiholoģijas, mākslu terapijas un supervīzijas studiju programmās. Rīga: RSU.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Qualitative research strategy designs and scientific strength
Description
Annotation: Qualitative strategy and types of design. Specific nature of the qualitative research process. Scientific strength in qualitative strategy. Methods and sources of data collection. Methods of data analysis in the qualitative strategy. Topics covered during the class: Please describe what is: Qualitative research strategy and designs; Specifics of the qualitative research process; Scientific strength in qualitative strategy; Data acquisition methods and sources; Data analysis methods in qualitative strategy. Literature: Mārtinsone, K. un Pipere, A. (Zin.red.) Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplinārā perspektīva. Rīga: RSU, 2021.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Qualitative research strategy designs and scientific strength
Description
Annotation: Qualitative strategy and types of design. Specific nature of the qualitative research process. Scientific strength in qualitative strategy. Methods and sources of data collection. Methods of data analysis in the qualitative strategy. Topics covered during the class: Please describe what is: Qualitative research strategy and designs; Specifics of the qualitative research process; Scientific strength in qualitative strategy; Data acquisition methods and sources; Data analysis methods in qualitative strategy. Literature: Mārtinsone, K. un Pipere, A. (Zin.red.) Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplinārā perspektīva. Rīga: RSU, 2021.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Strategy and designs of mixed methods studies
Description
Annotation: Strategy and designs of mixed studies. Specificity of the research process. Scientific strength. Data extraction methods and sources. Methods of data analysis. Topics covered during the class: Please name any mixed research designs you know, describe them. Name the methods of data analysis in different designs of mixed research. Literature: Mārtinsone, K. un Pipere, A. (Zin.red.) Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplinārā perspektīva. Rīga: RSU, 2021.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Systematic reviews and other types of reviews
Description
Literature: Mārtinsone, K. un Pipere, A. (Zin.red.) Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplinārā perspektīva. Rīga: RSU, 2021.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Theoretical framework of the research project
Description
Annotation: Theoretical review and presentation of the topic of the planned research project (project size in Word.doc format from 7 to 10 pages. PowerPoint presentation 5 min.) The theoretical review of the topic of the research project should include: 1. Research topic - title 2. Table of Contents 3. Definitions of central terms/concepts, abbreviations used in the work 4. Theoretical review 5. List of references
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Integrating artificial intelligence into research
Description
Annotation: Objective: to develop the ability to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to prepare a research project in an appropriate and ethical manner.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Test (Semester)
Part 2
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Research project preparation and scientific writing
Description
Annotation: Research ideas and research design. Creating a literature review. Reasoning of the topicality of the research, problem and goal formulation. Formulation of research question and hypothesis. Preparation of research report. The use of artificial intelligence in the preparation of a research project. Scientific writing. Literature: 1. Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. (zin. red.). (2021). Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: Starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Rīga: RSU. 2. Mārtinsone, K. un Šneidere, K. (red.). (2020). Metodiskie norādījumi maģistra darbu izstrādei RSU psiholoģijas, mākslu terapijas un supervīzijas studiju programmās. Rīga: RSU.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Research project preparation and scientific writing
Description
Annotation: Research ideas and research design. Creating a literature review. Reasoning of the topicality of the research, problem and goal formulation. Formulation of research question and hypothesis. Preparation of research report. The use of artificial intelligence in the preparation of a research project. Scientific writing. Literature: 1. Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. (zin. red.). (2021). Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: Starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Rīga: RSU. 2. Mārtinsone, K. un Šneidere, K. (red.). (2020). Metodiskie norādījumi maģistra darbu izstrādei RSU psiholoģijas, mākslu terapijas un supervīzijas studiju programmās. Rīga: RSU.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Research analysis and presentation
Description
Annotation: Analyzes of studies published in databases. Analysis of two studies according to the given criteria in writing 1. Choose a topic and select 6-8 studies on this topic 2. From the selected studies, 2 studies should be selected and analyzed in writing according to the research analysis structure given below. 3. Research analysis must be submitted in Word format (6-8 pages for each study, designed according to requirements, references according to APA7) and presentations must be prepared (5 min. for each study).
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Research analysis and presentation
Description
Annotation: Analyzes of studies published in databases. Analysis of two studies according to the given criteria in writing 1. Choose a topic and select 6-8 studies on this topic 2. From the selected studies, 2 studies should be selected and analyzed in writing according to the research analysis structure given below. 3. Research analysis must be submitted in Word format (6-8 pages for each study, designed according to requirements, references according to APA7) and presentations must be prepared (5 min. for each study).
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Research analysis and presentation
Description
Annotation: Analyzes of studies published in databases. Analysis of two studies according to the given criteria in writing 1. Choose a topic and select 6-8 studies on this topic 2. From the selected studies, 2 studies should be selected and analyzed in writing according to the research analysis structure given below. 3. Research analysis must be submitted in Word format (6-8 pages for each study, designed according to requirements, references according to APA7) and presentations must be prepared (5 min. for each study).
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Test on terms
Description
Annotation: The test questions are based on the source indicated in the list of mandatory literature sources: Mārtinson, K. and Pipere A. (Zina. ed.) Methodology of scientific activity: an interdisciplinary perspective. Riga RSU, 2021. The test consists of 50 closed questions with four possible answers. Each question has only one correct answer, which corresponds to the explanation of concepts given in the literature source mentioned above. During the test, it is possible to move freely through the questions, returning and correcting the submitted answers. One point is awarded for each correct answer, which is converted into a percentage in the system by calculating the grade obtained in the test accordingly. The test is passed if at least 55% of the correct answers are given. The time allotted for the test is 60 minutes, one test attempt is allowed. Topics included in the test: 1. Scientific knowledge 2. Features of metamodernism in science and science policy 3. Legal and ethical aspects in research 4. Philosophical basis of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research strategies: a comparison 5. Basic Designs in Quantitative Strategy: A Comparison 6. Basic designs in qualitative strategy: comparison 7. Mixed research and its designs: a comparison 8. Systematic review and other types of reviews 9. Scientific strength and procedures for ensuring it 10. The main conditions for planning research in psychology 11. Evaluation criteria of scientific literature, purpose of analysis. Creating a literature review 12. Methods of data collection in quantitative and qualitative research 13. Construction and adaptation of tests 14. Sampling methods in quantitative, qualitative and mixed research 15. Data analysis methods in qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research strategies. 16. The main tasks of the interpretation of research results
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Planning, development and presentation of the study project.
Description
Annotation: Development and presentation of your research project (project size in Word.doc format up to 10 pages. PowerPoint presentation 5 min.) The project should include: 1. Research topic 2. Definitions of central terms/concepts 3. Introduction: topicality and problem of the research, purpose of the research, research task/s, research question/s/ hypothesis 4. Research methodology (for each question): a. strategy used, design; b. method (instrument, sample/participants, procedure, data analysis methods) 5. Literature review 6. Ethical issues 7. Potential risks and threats to the scientific strength of the research and feasible proposals to ensure it 8. Predictable research results, their practical application 9. Approximate study schedule 10. List of references: a. list of references; b. bibliography.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Planning, development and presentation of the study project.
Description
Annotation: Development and presentation of your research project (project size in Word.doc format up to 10 pages. PowerPoint presentation 5 min.) The project should include: 1. Research topic 2. Definitions of central terms/concepts 3. Introduction: topicality and problem of the research, purpose of the research, research task/s, research question/s/ hypothesis 4. Research methodology (for each question): a. strategy used, design; b. method (instrument, sample/participants, procedure, data analysis methods) 5. Literature review 6. Ethical issues 7. Potential risks and threats to the scientific strength of the research and feasible proposals to ensure it 8. Predictable research results, their practical application 9. Approximate study schedule 10. List of references: a. list of references; b. bibliography.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Planning, development and presentation of the study project.
Description
Annotation: Development and presentation of your research project (project size in Word.doc format up to 10 pages. PowerPoint presentation 5 min.) The project should include: 1. Research topic 2. Definitions of central terms/concepts 3. Introduction: topicality and problem of the research, purpose of the research, research task/s, research question/s/ hypothesis 4. Research methodology (for each question): a. strategy used, design; b. method (instrument, sample/participants, procedure, data analysis methods) 5. Literature review 6. Ethical issues 7. Potential risks and threats to the scientific strength of the research and feasible proposals to ensure it 8. Predictable research results, their practical application 9. Approximate study schedule 10. List of references: a. list of references; b. bibliography.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Planning, development and presentation of the study project.
Description
Annotation: Development and presentation of your research project (project size in Word.doc format up to 10 pages. PowerPoint presentation 5 min.) The project should include: 1. Research topic 2. Definitions of central terms/concepts 3. Introduction: topicality and problem of the research, purpose of the research, research task/s, research question/s/ hypothesis 4. Research methodology (for each question): a. strategy used, design; b. method (instrument, sample/participants, procedure, data analysis methods) 5. Literature review 6. Ethical issues 7. Potential risks and threats to the scientific strength of the research and feasible proposals to ensure it 8. Predictable research results, their practical application 9. Approximate study schedule 10. List of references: a. list of references; b. bibliography.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Planning, development and presentation of the study project.
Description
Annotation: Development and presentation of your research project (project size in Word.doc format up to 10 pages. PowerPoint presentation 5 min.) The project should include: 1. Research topic 2. Definitions of central terms/concepts 3. Introduction: topicality and problem of the research, purpose of the research, research task/s, research question/s/ hypothesis 4. Research methodology (for each question): a. strategy used, design; b. method (instrument, sample/participants, procedure, data analysis methods) 5. Literature review 6. Ethical issues 7. Potential risks and threats to the scientific strength of the research and feasible proposals to ensure it 8. Predictable research results, their practical application 9. Approximate study schedule 10. List of references: a. list of references; b. bibliography.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Planning, development and presentation of the study project.
Description
Annotation: Development and presentation of your research project (project size in Word.doc format up to 10 pages. PowerPoint presentation 5 min.) The project should include: 1. Research topic 2. Definitions of central terms/concepts 3. Introduction: topicality and problem of the research, purpose of the research, research task/s, research question/s/ hypothesis 4. Research methodology (for each question): a. strategy used, design; b. method (instrument, sample/participants, procedure, data analysis methods) 5. Literature review 6. Ethical issues 7. Potential risks and threats to the scientific strength of the research and feasible proposals to ensure it 8. Predictable research results, their practical application 9. Approximate study schedule 10. List of references: a. list of references; b. bibliography.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. (Zin.red.) (2021). Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplināra perspektīva.

2.

Mārtinsones, K., Šneideres, K. (Red.). (2020). Metodiskie norādījumi maģistra darbu izstrādei RSU psiholoģijas, mākslas terapijas un supervīzijas programmās. E-publikācija. Rīga: RSU. Tiešsaistē

Additional Reading

1.

Ansdell, G. (2001). Beginning Research in the Arts Therapies. London: Jessica Kingsley. EBSCOhost Ebook Academic Collection; Ebook Central Academic Complete

2.

Denzin, K. N., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2013). Strategies of Qualitative Inquiry. Los Angeles: SAGE.

3.

Emmison, M. (2004). The conceptualization and analysis of visual data. In Silverman, D. (Ed.). 4. Qualitative Research: Theory, Methodand Practice. (pp. 283-305). London: SAGE

4.

Gilroy, A. (2006). Art Therapy, Research and Evidence Based Practice. London: SAGE

5.

Krevica, E., Mārtinsone, K. (sast.). (2013). Arts Therapies for Different Client/ Patient Groups. Collection of articles. Rīga: RSU

6.

Kroplijs, A., Raščevska, M. (2010). Kvalitatīvās pētniecības metodes sociālajās zinātnēs. Rīga: Raka.

7.

Mārtinsone, K. (red.). (2011). Mākslu terapija. Rīga: RaKa.

8.

Мартинсоне, К. (ред.). (2014). Искусствотерапия. Пер. с латыш. А. Карповой. СПб. Речь.

9.

Raščevska, M. (2005). Psiholoģisko testu un aptauju konstruēšana un adaptācija. Rīga: Raka.

10.

Silverman, D. (1993). Interpreting Qualitative Data: Methods for Analysing Talk, Text and Interaction. London: SAGE.

11.

Silverman, D. (2020). Qualitative Research: Theory, Method and Practice. London: SAGE.

12.

Rose, G. (2016). Visual methodologies : an introduction to the interpretation of visual materials. London: SAGE

13.

Reavey, P. (2016). Visual Methods in Psychology : using and interpreting images in qualitative research. Routlege; E-grāmata. EBSCO

14.

Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. London: SAGE.

15.

Neuman, William Lawrence. (2014). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches

16.

Guest, G., Namely, E. E., & Mitchell, M. L. (2013). Collecting Qualitative Data: A Field Manual for Applied Research. Los Angeles: SAGE.

17.

Leech, N. L., Barrett, K. C., Morgan, G. A. (2015). SPSS for intermediate statistics: Use and interpretation. 3rd Edition. New York: London: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

18.

Kapitan, L. (2010). Introduction to Art Therapy Research. 2nd Edition. Routledge.

19.

Mārtinsone, K., Krevica, E. (sast.). (2014). Mākslu terapijas dažādām klientu/ pacientu grupām. Rakstu krājums. Rīga: RSU.

20.

Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A., Kamerāde, D. (red.). (2016). Pētniecība: teorija un prakse. Rīga: RaKa.

21.

Mārtinsone, K. (sast.). (2010). Pētījumi mākslu terapijā. Rīga: Drukātava.

22.

Jacobson, N., Truax, P. (1991). Clinical Significance: A Statistical Approach to Defining Meaningful Change in Psychotherapy Research; APA PsycARTICLES

23.

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. 7th Edition. American Psychological Association.

Other Information Sources

1.

American Journal of Dance Therapy. ProQuest

2.

Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association

3.

Body, Movement and Dance in Psychotherapy

4.

Drama Review

5.

Dramatherapy SAGE

6.

International Journal of Art Therapy

7.

International Journal of Arts Medicine open access

8.

Narrative Inquiry

9.

The Arts in Psychotherapy ScienceDirect

10.

The Canadian Art Therapy Association Journal

11.

Datu bāzes: ClinicalKey; CochraneLibrary; DynaMed Plus; EbraryeBooks; EBSCO; OVID; ProQuest; PubMed; SAGE Publications; ScienceDirect; Scopus; Web ofScience; WileyOnlineLibrary; PsychInfo

12.

Panopto.rsu. I

13.

Panopto.rsu. II

14.

Panopto.rsu. III