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

Academic Writing

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VPUPK_434
Branch of Science
Psychology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Psychology
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

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

Dzirciema Street 16, Riga, vppk@rsu.lv

About Study Course

Objective

Prepare students for the development of Bachelor’s thesis by developing skills in the structuring and design of a scientific paper, as well as strengthening research competences through actual pilot study, data analysis and interpretation of results in accordance with academic standards in psychology.

Preliminary Knowledge

Understanding the methodology of scientific research, research designs and data collection methods in psychology.

Basic knowledge of mathematical statistics and principles of quantitative data processing (descriptive and inferential statistics).

Knowledge of psychological measurements, theoretical basics for the development and adaptation of tests.

Skills to work with databases of scientific literature and navigate the structure of academic text.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Understands the structures and design principles of the scientific paper and various types of publications (empirical Article, literature review, meta-analysis) in accordance with the APA style and RSU methodological instructions.

Individual work and tests

Pilot study report

2.Demonstrates knowledge of scientific information retrieval strategies and criteria for evaluating source credibility and relevance, as well as understands the principles of AI research tools and the requirements of academic integrity in their application.

Individual work and tests

Pilot study report Research Project Development

3.Recognises the specificity of the adaptation of research instruments and international standards (e.g. TARES, prism) to reflect the study methodology.

Individual work and tests

Pilot study report Preparation for Data Collection (Digital Survey Development)

4.Describe the study ethics, informed consent and basic GDPR requirements in the context of the pilot study.

Individual work and tests

Pilot study report Research Project Development

5.Explain the role of the Open Science and data Management Plan in the transparency of the study.

Individual work and tests

Development of a Data Management Plan

6.Understands the fundamental principles of data analysis, requirements for statistical methods, and the logic behind interpretation algorithms.

Individual work and tests

Development of a Data Analysis Plan Create and present a poster or presentation Pilot study report

7.Able to identify and justify structural elements of scientific poster or presentation and their role in reflecting the progress of the study.

Individual work and tests

Create and present a poster or presentation

Skills

1.Is able to independently select literature relevant to the research topic using specialized databases and AI assistants, and purposefully integrate the gathered information into an analytical literature review, ensuring synthesis of sources and logical argumentation.

Individual work and tests

Research Project Development Pilot study report

2.Able to independently plan the research process by selecting appropriate methodology, sampling principles, and data analysis strategies while ensuring adherence to research ethics standards and data protection.

Individual work and tests

Pilot study report Research Project Development Create and present a poster or presentation

3.Able to independently develop research instruments in a digital environment, ensuring logical structure, data collection reliability, and the practical application of research ethics.

Individual work and tests

Preparation for Data Collection (Digital Survey Development)

4.Able to independently develop a research data management plan by selecting appropriate data storage, security, and sharing solutions in accordance with the principles of good scientific practice.

Individual work and tests

Development of a Data Management Plan

5.Able to justify and select data analysis methods appropriate for the research questions, data types, and measurement scales, ensuring the methodological consistency of the research process.

Individual work and tests

Development of a Data Analysis Plan Pilot study report

6.Perform statistical data processing (JASP, Jamovi or SPSS), refreshing knowledge of test selection, data re-encryption and reliability calculation.

Individual work and tests

Pilot study report Create and present a poster or presentation

7.Able to synthesize and visualise extensive research information (text, data) using graphic tools and techniques consistent with academic standards.

Individual work and tests

Create and present a poster or presentation Pilot study report

8.Draw up the results obtained in correct APA style tables and graphs, providing an accurate and academically sound description of the statistical indicators.

Individual work and tests

Create and present a poster or presentation

9.Applies specialized software (Zotero/Mendeley) for literature management and automated reference generation, and critically evaluates the use of AI tools in academic writing.

Individual work and tests

Research Project Development Pilot study report

Competences

1.Reasonable decisions on improvements to the pilot study shall be taken on the basis of data quality, enforceability and ethical requirements.

Individual work and tests

Pilot study report Research Project Development

2.Argumentatively defenders methodological choices in academic discussion (Q & a).

Individual work and tests

Create and present a poster or presentation

3.Critically evaluates the suitability and limitations of the chosen methods to ensure the validity of research conclusions.

Individual work and tests

Create and present a poster or presentation Pilot study report Development of a Data Analysis Plan

4.Able to independently plan and implement an appraisal of an empirical study (pilot study) by making informed decisions on improvements in methodology or instruments.

Individual work and tests

Pilot study report Create and present a poster or presentation

5.Communicate the findings of the study professionally, using different types of scientific communication (oral presentations, posters) and substantiating their conclusions in an academic discussion.

Individual work and tests

Create and present a poster or presentation

6.Integrate and synthesize the study results with theoretical literature by producing a structured and methodically accurate scientific report (Article).

Individual work and tests

Pilot study report

7.Critically evaluates ethical and technical challenges arising during the research process, demonstrating a responsible attitude toward research participants and the quality of the acquired data.

Individual work and tests

Pilot study report Create and present a poster or presentation

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Research Project Development

-
Test

Objective: The goal of this assignment is to develop a formal research proposal that demonstrates the student's ability to conceptualize a scientific problem and select a methodologically sound approach for its investigation.

Assignment Components:

  1. Problem Statement and Significance: Definition of the research problem and justification of the study's relevance within the current scientific context.
  2. Theoretical Framework: Definitions of key concepts and a concise review of related literature.
  3. Methodological Design:
    • Research Aim and Hypotheses: Formulation of clear research objectives and testable hypotheses or research questions.
    • Study Sample (Participants): Characterization of the target population, planned sample size, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the sampling method (e.g., random, purposive, or convenience sampling).
    • Research Procedure: A step-by-step outline of the study's execution—from participant recruitment to the completion of data collection—specifying the sequence of all actions.
    • Data Collection Instruments: Description of the tools used (e.g., survey scales, interview protocols, or specific algorithmic models).
  4. Data Analysis Plan: Selection of intended statistical methods (descriptive and inferential statistics) and data processing tools.
  5. Ethical Considerations and Limitations: Identification of potential ethical risks, data protection measures (GDPR compliance), and the scope/limitations of the study.

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion, the student will have produced a structured research plan that serves as a foundation for a bachelor’s thesis or a scientific publication, confirming their proficiency in planning the research process from initial concept to data analysis strategy.

2.

Preparation for Data Collection (Digital Survey Development)

-
Test

Objective: To practically prepare the research instrument by digitalizing the developed survey and ensuring its technical and ethical readiness for the commencement of data collection.

Assignment Components:

  1. Digitalization of the Research Instrument: Technical creation of survey questions and scales within a selected platform (e.g., QuestionPro, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, etc.).
  2. User Interface and Logic Configuration: Setting up filter questions, transitions, and branching logic to ensure correct data flow and respondent navigation.
  3. Integration of Informed Consent: Development of the participant information section and electronic consent forms in accordance with research ethics requirements.
  4. Data Security and Anonymity Settings: Configuring technical solutions for data protection and ensuring participant anonymity.
  5. Piloting (Testing): Conducting a technical audit and pre-testing of the survey to eliminate errors before large-scale distribution.
3.

Development of a Data Management Plan

-
Test

Objective: To prepare a comprehensive Data Management Plan (DMP) to ensure the security, organization, and compliance of the research data with the principles of open science and data protection.

Assignment Components:

  1. Data Description and Volume: Define the types of data used in the research (e.g., survey results, algorithm-generated data), formats, and the planned data volume.
  2. Data Storage and Backup: Plan a secure data storage infrastructure for the duration of the research and develop a backup strategy to prevent data loss.
  3. Data Security and Access: Establish access rights to the research data and describe procedures for the encryption or anonymization of sensitive data.
  4. Long-term Preservation and Sharing: Plan which data will be preserved after the conclusion of the research and in which repositories it will be deposited for open access or archiving.
  5. Legal Compliance: Justification of data processing compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other ethical requirements.
4.

Development of a Data Analysis Plan

-
Test

Objective: To prepare a detailed data analysis strategy that ensures the answering of research questions or testing of hypotheses using statistical and interpretative methods appropriate for the research design.

Assignment Components:

  1. Operational Definition of Variables: Identification of independent, dependent, and control variables and their measurement scales.
  2. Data Preprocessing Planning: Methods for data cleaning, outlier handling, and addressing missing values.
  3. Selection of Statistical Methods: Justification for the choice of descriptive and inferential statistics (e.g., t-tests, ANOVA, regression analysis).
  4. Specification of Algorithms and Models: Description of the operating principles and application criteria of interpretation algorithms or other mathematical models.
  5. Results Interpretation Framework: Establishing criteria for the statistical and practical significance of the findings.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Create and present a poster or presentation

30.00% from total grade
10 points

Task Description: Students shall prepare a visual material (a poster or a presentation) that succinctly reflects the scientific value of the research and the obtained results. The focus of the task is on the ability to transform extensive research information into a transparent, logically structured, and visually accessible format.

Content Outline:

  • Research Proposal: relevance of the topic, the aim of the study, and the research question/hypothesis.
  • Methodological Framework: a precise exposition of the research design, providing a description of the following elements:
    • Sample: information regarding the research participants or the analyzed data set;
    • Instruments: a description of measurement tools, surveys, technical models, or algorithms;
    • Procedure: a sequential description of the research stages and the data collection process;
    • Data Analysis Methods: a justification of the selected statistical or qualitative analysis methods.
  • Main Results: visualization of the research data (tables, graphs, charts) that directly addresses the research question or hypothesis.
  • Conclusions: insights based on the obtained data and their scientific or practical significance.
2.

Pilot study report

70.00% from total grade
10 points

Task Description: At the end of the course, students shall prepare a written pilot study report formatted according to the structure of a scientific publication (article). The focus of the work is on the ability not only to present data but also to critically evaluate the effectiveness of the research design and plan necessary improvements.

Structure of the Report:

  • Introduction: relevance of the topic, problem statement, literature review, and research questions/hypotheses.
  • Methodology: a detailed research design (sample, instruments, procedure, and data analysis methods).
  • Results: an objective presentation of the obtained data using visualization tools (tables, graphs) without interpretation or evaluation.
  • Discussion: interpretation of the obtained results and their comparison with the theoretical framework.
  • Limitations and Recommendations:
    • A critical analysis of the current research design and methodology (what worked and what did not).
    • Identified limitations (e.g., sample specificity, sensitivity of instruments).
    • Specific recommendations for research improvement before scaling (conducting the main study).
  • Conclusions: a concise summary of the answers to the research questions.
  • References: a list of sources formatted according to the selected citation standard.

Technical Requirements

Adherence to Structure: The report must strictly follow the defined scientific article structure and the logical sequence of its sections.

Formatting Requirements: Compliance with academic manuscript formatting guidelines (font selection, line spacing, heading styles, and page numbering).

Academic Integrity: Correct use of in-text citations and references, and the precise compilation of a bibliography according to the selected citation standard.

Quality of Visual Elements: Formatting of tables and figures (numbering and captions) in accordance with scientific publication standards.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
4

Topics

Introduction to academic writing
Description

The lecture covers the fundamentals of academic writing and introduces the typology of scientific publications (empirical articles, literature reviews, and meta-analyses). Specific methodologies and international standards for each article type (e.g., PRISMA guidelines) are explained. Particular attention is devoted to the logic of using reference management software (Zotero, Mendeley) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, analyzing the boundaries of academic integrity in literature search and text editing. The lecture provides a methodological roadmap for applying university requirements and APA style in the development of scientific manuscripts.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Computer room
4

Topics

introduction to academic writing
Description

The practical sessions aim to develop students' analytical and technical skills in handling scientific information. Students practically analyze the structures of various publication types ("Structure Detective") and critically evaluate the methodological quality of published research ("The Critical Reader"). In a workstation format, students master effective literature retrieval by comparing traditional databases with AI tools (Elicit, Consensus) and practice automated citation formatting. Emphasis is placed on the ability to independently create a bibliographic database and integrate in-text citations according to APA style and methodological guidelines.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
4

Topics

Preparation for Research: From Project to Approbation
Description

The lecture covers the practical steps for initiating an empirical study by transforming a theoretical research project into an actionable operational plan. It analyzes the specifics of various research designs (descriptive, correlational, experimental) and their alignment with research objectives. The lecture provides an in-depth examination of research ethics and legal requirements in psychology, including the preparation of ethics committee applications and the management of informed consent protocols. Students learn data management planning in accordance with Open Science principles, covering the data life cycle, confidentiality assurance, and secure data archiving.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Computer room
4

Topics

Lesson: Preparation for Research: From Project to Approbation
Description

The objective of the practical sessions is the technical revision of the research project and the approbation of research instruments. During the sessions, students conduct a "research project audit," refining the alignment between hypotheses and data analysis methods while assessing project feasibility. In the second stage, students develop technical skills in the digitalization of research instruments by creating electronic surveys on research platforms (e.g., RedCap, Google Forms). Through a real-world pilot study with a small sample, students practically verify instrument functionality and prepare datasets for subsequent statistical analysis.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
4

Topics

Course Description: Data Processing, Statistical Analysis, and Presentation of Results
Description

Within the lecture, students refresh and consolidate previously acquired knowledge of statistical data analysis, focusing on its purposeful integration into the research process. Principles of "data hygiene" and the verification of psychometric properties are discussed as prerequisites for high-quality interpretation of results. The lecture reactivates the logic of selecting statistical methods based on research design, preparing students for evidence-based data explanation and the development of meaningful scientific discussion.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Computer room
4

Topics

Lesson: Data Processing, Statistical Analysis, and Presentation of Results
Description

In the practical session, students practically apply and refine their skills using analysis software (JASP, Jamovi, or SPSS), with an emphasis on the academic presentation of results. The primary task is to develop the ability to transform statistical software outputs into logical and methodologically sound academic prose. Students consolidate their skills in creating tables and figures according to APA style requirements, learning to integrate statistical indices into a scientific report so that they directly and clearly address the research questions.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
4

Topics

Scientific Communication and Presentation of Results
Description

The lecture focuses on various formats of scientific communication and their specifics. Students analyze the differences between oral presentations, poster presentations, and scientific publications, acquiring "soft skills" for engaging an audience. Special attention is devoted to developing the concluding sections of a publication—Discussion and Conclusions—learning how to integrate research findings into a broader theoretical and practical context. Additionally, principles of visual communication (data visualization) and the development of a researcher's digital identity are examined.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Computer room
4

Topics

Scientific Communication and Presentation of Research Results
Description

The practical session is organized as a simulated scientific conference, where students present the independently prepared results of their pilot studies. Emphasis is placed on refining skills to present data in a concise and visually accessible manner (using posters or slide presentations). The objective of the session is to train students' ability to provide reasoned answers to questions, critically discuss research limitations, and defend their conclusions before a professional audience, thereby synthesizing the academic writing and research skills acquired throughout the course.

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
4

Topics

Introduction to academic writing
Description

The lecture covers the fundamentals of academic writing and introduces the typology of scientific publications (empirical articles, literature reviews, and meta-analyses). Specific methodologies and international standards for each article type (e.g., PRISMA guidelines) are explained. Particular attention is devoted to the logic of using reference management software (Zotero, Mendeley) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, analyzing the boundaries of academic integrity in literature search and text editing. The lecture provides a methodological roadmap for applying university requirements and APA style in the development of scientific manuscripts.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Computer room
2

Topics

introduction to academic writing
Description

The practical sessions aim to develop students' analytical and technical skills in handling scientific information. Students practically analyze the structures of various publication types ("Structure Detective") and critically evaluate the methodological quality of published research ("The Critical Reader"). In a workstation format, students master effective literature retrieval by comparing traditional databases with AI tools (Elicit, Consensus) and practice automated citation formatting. Emphasis is placed on the ability to independently create a bibliographic database and integrate in-text citations according to APA style and methodological guidelines.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
4

Topics

Preparation for Research: From Project to Approbation
Description

The lecture covers the practical steps for initiating an empirical study by transforming a theoretical research project into an actionable operational plan. It analyzes the specifics of various research designs (descriptive, correlational, experimental) and their alignment with research objectives. The lecture provides an in-depth examination of research ethics and legal requirements in psychology, including the preparation of ethics committee applications and the management of informed consent protocols. Students learn data management planning in accordance with Open Science principles, covering the data life cycle, confidentiality assurance, and secure data archiving.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Computer room
2

Topics

Lesson: Preparation for Research: From Project to Approbation
Description

The objective of the practical sessions is the technical revision of the research project and the approbation of research instruments. During the sessions, students conduct a "research project audit," refining the alignment between hypotheses and data analysis methods while assessing project feasibility. In the second stage, students develop technical skills in the digitalization of research instruments by creating electronic surveys on research platforms (e.g., RedCap, Google Forms). Through a real-world pilot study with a small sample, students practically verify instrument functionality and prepare datasets for subsequent statistical analysis.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
4

Topics

Course Description: Data Processing, Statistical Analysis, and Presentation of Results
Description

Within the lecture, students refresh and consolidate previously acquired knowledge of statistical data analysis, focusing on its purposeful integration into the research process. Principles of "data hygiene" and the verification of psychometric properties are discussed as prerequisites for high-quality interpretation of results. The lecture reactivates the logic of selecting statistical methods based on research design, preparing students for evidence-based data explanation and the development of meaningful scientific discussion.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Computer room
2

Topics

Lesson: Data Processing, Statistical Analysis, and Presentation of Results
Description

In the practical session, students practically apply and refine their skills using analysis software (JASP, Jamovi, or SPSS), with an emphasis on the academic presentation of results. The primary task is to develop the ability to transform statistical software outputs into logical and methodologically sound academic prose. Students consolidate their skills in creating tables and figures according to APA style requirements, learning to integrate statistical indices into a scientific report so that they directly and clearly address the research questions.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
4

Topics

Scientific Communication and Presentation of Results
Description

The lecture focuses on various formats of scientific communication and their specifics. Students analyze the differences between oral presentations, poster presentations, and scientific publications, acquiring "soft skills" for engaging an audience. Special attention is devoted to developing the concluding sections of a publication—Discussion and Conclusions—learning how to integrate research findings into a broader theoretical and practical context. Additionally, principles of visual communication (data visualization) and the development of a researcher's digital identity are examined.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Scientific Communication and Presentation of Research Results
Description

The practical session is organized as a simulated scientific conference, where students present the independently prepared results of their pilot studies. Emphasis is placed on refining skills to present data in a concise and visually accessible manner (using posters or slide presentations). The objective of the session is to train students' ability to provide reasoned answers to questions, critically discuss research limitations, and defend their conclusions before a professional audience, thereby synthesizing the academic writing and research skills acquired throughout the course.

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte. (2026). Psiholoģijas virziena metodiskie norādījumi kursa, bakalaura un maģistra darbu izstrādei. Rīga: Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte.

2.

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).Suitable for English stream

3.

Hernández, A., Tomás, I., Ferreres, A., & Lloret, S. (2015). TARES: Guidelines for reporting test adaptation and revision in Spain. Psicothema, 27(3), 314–319.Suitable for English stream

Additional Reading

1.

Beins, B. C. (2017). APA style simplified: Writing in psychology, education, nursing, and sociology. Wiley Blackwell.Suitable for English stream

2.

Field, A. (2018). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.Suitable for English stream

3.

Harris, S. R. (2020). Writing with clarity and style: A guide to rhetorical devices for contemporary writers. RoutledgeSuitable for English stream

4.

Navarro, D. J., & Foxcroft, D. R. (2022). Learning statistics with jamovi: A tutorial for psychology students and other beginners.Suitable for English stream

5.

Ziegler, M., Bäckström, M., Jagtap, S., Kandler, C., & Rammstedt, B. (2020). Psychological test adaptation and development – How papers are structured and why. Psychological Test Adaptation and Development, 1(1), 1–11.Suitable for English stream

Other Information Sources

1.

APA Style. (n.d.). Journal article reporting standards (APA Style JARS).Suitable for English stream

2.

Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., ... & Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372(71).Suitable for English stream

3.

Zotero. (n.d.). Zotero documentation.Suitable for English stream

4.

COS (Center for Open Science) Resources. Izglītojoši materiāli un rīki par atvērto zinātni, pētījumu prereģistrāciju un datu atklātību.Suitable for English stream

5.

OSF (Open Science Framework). Platforma pētījumu datu un materiālu drošai uzglabāšanai un kopīgošanai, ko izmanto datu pārvaldības plānu praktiskai realizācijai.Suitable for English stream

6.

The Data Viz Project. Interaktīvs resurss, kas palīdz izvēlēties piemērotāko datu vizualizācijas veidu (grafikus, diagrammas) atkarībā no pētījuma mērķa un datu tipa.Suitable for English stream