Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methodology
Study Course Implementer
Riga, 16 Dzirciema Street, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587
About Study Course
Objective
The study course aims to deepen students' understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methodology and to develop the ability to independently develop a theoretically, methodologically and ethically justified psychological research project, to formulate the research problem in an argumentative manner, to choose the design, to describe the sample, the data collection and analysis methods, as well as to evaluate the possibilities and limitations of the use of digital and artificial intelligence tools.
Preliminary Knowledge
The student must have a bachelor’s level of preparedness in research and data analysis, as evidenced by the following verifiable skills:
- the ability to formulate a research problem and objectives based on scientific literature;
- understanding of research methodology, quantitative and qualitative research methods in psychology;
- the ability to process and interpret research data (using descriptive and inferential statistics);
- an understanding of the basic principles of professional and research ethics.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of quantitative and qualitative research designs, comparing and justifying their appropriateness and criteria of scientific strength (reliability, validity, representativeness) in psychology.
Test • Test Work • Qualitative data analysis task in group • Qualitative data analysis • Research project and presentation • Research project, presentation and defence of a research project • Psychology Days
2.Use accurate research and methodological terminology when developing and presenting research documentation.
Psychology Days • Research project, presentation and defence of a research project • Research project and presentation • AI task • Qualitative data analysis • Qualitative data analysis task in group • Test Work • Test
3.Explain the design of the research project and the interrelationship between its structural elements (problem, hypotheses/questions, procedure, sample and methods) in accordance with scientific standards.
Test • Test Work • Qualitative data analysis task in group • AI task • Research project and presentation • Research project, presentation and defence of a research project • Psychology Days
Skills
1.Develops a theoretically and methodologically sound research project, identifying a relevant social psychological problem and formulating appropriate research questions or hypotheses.
Research project, presentation and defence of a research project • Research project and presentation
2.Finds and critically evaluates international scientific literature using specialized databases, digital tools and academically correct reference creation.
AI task • Qualitative data analysis • Test Work • Qualitative data analysis task in group • Research project and presentation • Research project, presentation and defence of a research project • Psychology Days
3.Plans and justifies the study sample and data collection/analysis methods (in quantitative and qualitative research), evaluating their advantages and limitations.
Psychology Days • Research project, presentation and defence of a research project • Qualitative data analysis task in group • Test Work • Test • Qualitative data analysis • AI task • Research project and presentation
4.The requirements of research ethics, academic integrity and personal data protection shall be applied in the planning and execution of the study.
Research project and presentation • AI task • Qualitative data analysis • Test • Test Work • Qualitative data analysis task in group • Research project, presentation and defence of a research project • Psychology Days
5.Apply digital and AI tools to support the research process, critically evaluating their suitability, quality of results, limitations, data security, and requirements for academic integrity.
Psychology Days • Research project, presentation and defence of a research project • Qualitative data analysis task in group • Test Work • Test • Qualitative data analysis • AI task • Research project and presentation
6.Presents and defends a research project, clearly and structuredly arguing for the chosen theoretical and methodological solutions.
Research project and presentation • Research project, presentation and defence of a research project • Psychology Days
Competences
1.Independently develop and integrate a complete research project that meets the standards of modern science, research ethics and data protection requirements for solving a socially relevant psychological problem.
Test • Research project, presentation and defence of a research project • Research project and presentation
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Test Work |
-
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10 points
|
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Independent study of the specified sources and study materials on research designs, stages of the research process, sample, data collection and analysis, and scientific quality criteria, preparing for the test work. |
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2.
Qualitative data analysis task in group |
-
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10 points
|
|
Perform a qualitative data analysis task in a group according to the given criteria. |
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|
3.
AI task |
-
|
Test
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Do the task on AI after the given task. |
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|
4.
Research project, presentation and defence of a research project |
-
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10 points
|
|
Create a presentation of your research project. |
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|
5.
Psychology Days |
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Test
|
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Participate in the Psychology Days and complete the given task. |
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6.
Questionnaire |
-
|
-
|
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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. |
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Examination
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Title
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% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Test |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Test work on general issues of study methodology, quantitative and qualitative methodology. |
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2.
Qualitative data analysis |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
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Task on qualitative study methodology (data analysis) |
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3.
Research project and presentation |
60.00% from total grade
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10 points
|
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Presentation of a research project: only after successful completion of previous tests and exams |
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Study Course Theme Plan
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Other
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2
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Topics
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Introduction to the research methodology. Selection of research topic and research process
Description
Abstract:
Literature: Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. (zin. red.). (2021). Zinātniskā darba metodoloģija: Starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Rīga: RSU. Appelbaum, M., Cooper, H., Kline, R. B., Mayo-Wilson, E., Nezu, A. M., & Rao, S. M. (2018). Journal article reporting standards for quantitative research in psychology: The APA Publications and Communications Board task force report. American Psychologist, 73(1), 3–25. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000191 American Psychological Association. Journal Article Reporting Standards (JARS) for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research. https://apastyle.apa.org/jars Cooper, H. (Ed.). (2023). APA handbook of research methods in psychology: Vol. 2. Research designs: Quantitative, qualitative, neuropsychological, and biological (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association. Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2022). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (6th ed.). SAGE Publications. Denzin, N. K., Lincoln, Y. S., Giardina, M. D., & Cannella, G. S. (Eds.). (2024). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (6th ed.). SAGE Publications. Levitt, H. M., Bamberg, M., Creswell, J. W., Frost, D. M., Josselson, R., & Suárez-Orozco, C. (2018). Journal article reporting standards for qualitative primary, qualitative meta-analytic, and mixed methods research in psychology: The APA Publications and Communications Board task force report. American Psychologist, 73(1), 26–46. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000151 Morling, B. (2025). Research methods in psychology: Evaluating a world of information (5th ed.). W. W. Norton & Company |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
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Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to the research methodology. Selection of research topic and research process
Description
Abstract:
Literature: Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. (zin. red.). (2021). Zinātniskā darba metodoloģija: Starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Rīga: RSU. Appelbaum, M., Cooper, H., Kline, R. B., Mayo-Wilson, E., Nezu, A. M., & Rao, S. M. (2018). Journal article reporting standards for quantitative research in psychology: The APA Publications and Communications Board task force report. American Psychologist, 73(1), 3–25. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000191 American Psychological Association. Journal Article Reporting Standards (JARS) for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research. https://apastyle.apa.org/jars Cooper, H. (Ed.). (2023). APA handbook of research methods in psychology: Vol. 2. Research designs: Quantitative, qualitative, neuropsychological, and biological (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association. Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2022). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (6th ed.). SAGE Publications. Denzin, N. K., Lincoln, Y. S., Giardina, M. D., & Cannella, G. S. (Eds.). (2024). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (6th ed.). SAGE Publications. Levitt, H. M., Bamberg, M., Creswell, J. W., Frost, D. M., Josselson, R., & Suárez-Orozco, C. (2018). Journal article reporting standards for qualitative primary, qualitative meta-analytic, and mixed methods research in psychology: The APA Publications and Communications Board task force report. American Psychologist, 73(1), 26–46. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000151 Morling, B. (2025). Research methods in psychology: Evaluating a world of information (5th ed.). W. W. Norton & Company |
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Video Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
Off site
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E-Studies platform
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2
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Topics
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Systematic reviews and metaanalysis
Description
Abstract:
Literature: Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. (eds.). (2021). Zinātniskā darba metodoloģija: Starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Rīga: RSU. Aromataris, E., Lockwood, C., Porritt, K., Pilla, B., & Jordan, Z. (Eds.). (2024). JBI manual for evidence synthesis. JBI. https://synthesismanual.jbi.global Borenstein, M., Hedges, L. V., Higgins, J. P. T., & Rothstein, H. R. (2021). Introduction to meta-analysis (2nd ed.). Wiley. Higgins, J. P. T., Thomas, J., Chandler, J., Cumpston, M., Li, T., Page, M. J., & Welch, V. A. (Eds.). (2024). Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions (Version 6.5). Cochrane. https://www.training.cochrane.org/handbook Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., … Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, Article n71. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Quantitative research designs and scientific rigour. Reflection on systematic reviews and metaanalysis.
Description
Abstract:
Literature: Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. (zin. red.). (2021). Zinātniskā darba metodoloģija: Starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Rīga: RSU. Appelbaum, M., Cooper, H., Kline, R. B., Mayo-Wilson, E., Nezu, A. M., & Rao, S. M. (2018). Journal article reporting standards for quantitative research in psychology: The APA Publications and Communications Board task force report. American Psychologist, 73(1), 3–25. Cooper, H. (Ed.). (2023). APA handbook of research methods in psychology: Vol. 2. Research designs: Quantitative, qualitative, neuropsychological, and biological (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association. Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2022). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (6th ed.). SAGE. Melchert, T. P., Halfond, R. W., Hamdi, N. R., Bufka, L. F., Hollon, S. D., & Cuttler, M. J. (2024). Evidence-based practice in psychology: Context, guidelines, and action. American Psychologist, 79(6), 824–837. Morling, B. (2025). Research methods in psychology: Evaluating a world of information (5th ed.). W. W. Norton & Company. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
|
Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Quantitative research designs and scientific rigour. Reflection on systematic reviews and metaanalysis.
Description
Abstract:
Literature: Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. (zin. red.). (2021). Zinātniskā darba metodoloģija: Starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Rīga: RSU. Appelbaum, M., Cooper, H., Kline, R. B., Mayo-Wilson, E., Nezu, A. M., & Rao, S. M. (2018). Journal article reporting standards for quantitative research in psychology: The APA Publications and Communications Board task force report. American Psychologist, 73(1), 3–25. Cooper, H. (Ed.). (2023). APA handbook of research methods in psychology: Vol. 2. Research designs: Quantitative, qualitative, neuropsychological, and biological (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association. Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2022). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (6th ed.). SAGE. Melchert, T. P., Halfond, R. W., Hamdi, N. R., Bufka, L. F., Hollon, S. D., & Cuttler, M. J. (2024). Evidence-based practice in psychology: Context, guidelines, and action. American Psychologist, 79(6), 824–837. Morling, B. (2025). Research methods in psychology: Evaluating a world of information (5th ed.). W. W. Norton & Company. |
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Lecture
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Modality
|
Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
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Other
|
2
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Topics
|
Introduction to qualitative research. Research designs and scientific rigour. Methods of data collection
Description
Abstract:
Literature: Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. (zin. red.). (2021). Zinātniskā darba metodoloģija: Starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Rīga: RSU. Cooper, H. (Ed.). (2023). APA handbook of research methods in psychology: Vol. 2. Research designs: Quantitative, qualitative, neuropsychological, and biological (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association. Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2024). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications. Denzin, N. K., Lincoln, Y. S., Giardina, M. D., & Cannella, G. S. (Eds.). (2024). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (6th ed.). SAGE Publications. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
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Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to qualitative research. Research designs and scientific rigour. Methods of data collection
Description
Abstract:
Literature: Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. (zin. red.). (2021). Zinātniskā darba metodoloģija: Starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Rīga: RSU. Cooper, H. (Ed.). (2023). APA handbook of research methods in psychology: Vol. 2. Research designs: Quantitative, qualitative, neuropsychological, and biological (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association. Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2024). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications. Denzin, N. K., Lincoln, Y. S., Giardina, M. D., & Cannella, G. S. (Eds.). (2024). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (6th ed.). SAGE Publications. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Other
|
2
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Topics
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Data analysis in qualitative research.
Description
Abstract:
Literature: Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. (zin. red.). (2021). Zinātniskā darba metodoloģija: Starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Rīga: RSU. Cooper, H. (Ed.). (2023). APA handbook of research methods in psychology: Vol. 2. Research designs: Quantitative, qualitative, neuropsychological, and biological (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association. Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2024). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications. Denzin, N. K., Lincoln, Y. S., Giardina, M. D., & Cannella, G. S. (Eds.). (2024). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (6th ed.). SAGE Publications. Levitt, H. M., Bamberg, M., Creswell, J. W., Frost, D. M., Josselson, R., & Suárez-Orozco, C. (2018). Journal article reporting standards for qualitative primary, qualitative meta-analytic, and mixed methods research in psychology: The APA Publications and Communications Board task force report. American Psychologist, 73(1), 26–46. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000151 |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Data analysis in qualitative research.
Description
Abstract:
Literature: Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. (zin. red.). (2021). Zinātniskā darba metodoloģija: Starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Rīga: RSU. Cooper, H. (Ed.). (2023). APA handbook of research methods in psychology: Vol. 2. Research designs: Quantitative, qualitative, neuropsychological, and biological (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association. Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2024). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications. Denzin, N. K., Lincoln, Y. S., Giardina, M. D., & Cannella, G. S. (Eds.). (2024). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (6th ed.). SAGE Publications. Levitt, H. M., Bamberg, M., Creswell, J. W., Frost, D. M., Josselson, R., & Suárez-Orozco, C. (2018). Journal article reporting standards for qualitative primary, qualitative meta-analytic, and mixed methods research in psychology: The APA Publications and Communications Board task force report. American Psychologist, 73(1), 26–46. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000151 |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Other
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2
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Topics
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Test on the quantitative and qualitative research methodology
Description
Abstract: The test questions are based on the mandatory literature source list: The test consists of 50 closed-type questions with four answer options. Each question has only one correct answer that corresponds to the definition of the concept provided in the above-mentioned literature source. During the test, it is possible to freely move between questions, returning and correcting the submitted answers. One point is awarded for each correct answer, which is converted into percentage points in the system, calculating the assessment obtained in the test accordingly. The test is passed if at least 55% of the correct answers are given. The time allowed for completing the test is 60 minutes. Literature: Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. (Ed.). (2021). Methodology of scientific work: An interdisciplinary perspective. Rīga: RSU. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Other
|
2
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Topics
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Presentation of research project and discussion
Description
Abstract: Identification of a socially relevant and important problem that is appropriate for research in the field of psychology, selection of a research problem or research topic, formulation of a research hypothesis or research questions, planning of the research procedure, determination of the research sample, and the design and methods to be used in the research. Literature: Atbilstoši pētījuma projekta tēmai. |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Presentation of research project and discussion
Description
Abstract: Identification of a socially relevant and important problem that is appropriate for research in the field of psychology, selection of a research problem or research topic, formulation of a research hypothesis or research questions, planning of the research procedure, determination of the research sample, and the design and methods to be used in the research. Literature: Atbilstoši pētījuma projekta tēmai. |
Bibliography
Required Reading
Cooper, H., Coutanche, M. N., McMullen, L. M., Panter, A. T., Rindskopf, D., & Sher, K. J. (Eds.). (2023). APA handbook of research methods in psychology: Vol. 2. Research designs: Quantitative, qualitative, neuropsychological, and biological (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association.
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2022). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2024). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (5th ed., International student ed.). SAGE Publications.
Denzin, N. K., Lincoln, Y. S., Giardina, M. D., & Cannella, G. S. (Eds.). (2024). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. (zin. red.). (2021). Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: Starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Rīga: RSU.
Morling, B. (2025). Research methods in psychology: Evaluating a world of information (5th ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
Additional Reading
Appelbaum, M., Cooper, H., Kline, R. B., Mayo-Wilson, E., Nezu, A. M., & Rao, S. M. (2018). Journal article reporting standards for quantitative research in psychology: The APA Publications and Communications Board task force report. American Psychologist, 73(1), 3–25.
Aromataris, E., Lockwood, C., Porritt, K., Pilla, B., & Jordan, Z. (Eds.). (2024). JBI manual for evidence synthesis. JBI.
Borenstein, M., Hedges, L. V., Higgins, J. P. T., & Rothstein, H. R. (2021). Introduction to meta-analysis (2nd ed.). Wiley.
Leavy, P (2022). Research design: Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, arts-based, and community-based participatory research approaches. The Guilford Press.
Higgins, J. P. T., Thomas, J., Chandler, J., Cumpston, M., Li, T., Page, M. J., & Welch, V. A. (Eds.). (2024). Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions (Version 6.5). Cochrane. https://www.training.cochrane.org/handbook
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..
Mārtinsone, K. un Pipere, A. (red.). (2019). Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījumu rezultātu izplatīšana. Rīga: RSU izdevniecība.
Melchert, T. P., Halfond, R. W., Hamdi, N. R., Bufka, L. F., Hollon, S. D., & Cuttler, M. J. (2024). Evidence-based practice in psychology: Context, guidelines, and action. American Psychologist, 79(6), 824–837.
Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., … Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, Article n71.
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