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

Course Paper

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VPUPK_370
Branch of Science
Psychology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Psychology; Sociology
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

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

About Study Course

Objective

Promote students’ understanding of the research development process and observance of academic integrity and research ethics, develop skills to independently search, select and critically analyse sources of scientific literature, formulate the purpose and question (s) of the research, as well as develop academic writing skills for the development of the semester paper, providing the basis for the development of Bachelor’s thesis project.

Preliminary Knowledge

General psychology, Research in psychology.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Defines the stages of development of the study and describes its logical order.

Individual work and tests

Research proposal

2.Describe the basic principles for the development of the study, the structure of academic writing, the requirements for drawing up references and the norms of research ethics.

Individual work and tests

Research proposal

3.Describes the quality criteria of scientific literature and the basic principles of research ethics.

Individual work and tests

Research proposal

Skills

1.Formulate the subject, problem, purpose and research questions of the study based on literature analysis.

Individual work and tests

Research proposal

2.Search, select and structure scientific sources of information using certain quality criteria.

Individual work and tests

Literature and theoretical report

3.Develop a structured semester paper (introduction, theoretical justification, methodological report, conclusions) in accordance with academic requirements.

Individual work and tests

Literature and theoretical report Methodology overview Drawing up conclusions and proposals.

4.Prepare and present the results of the semester paper, justifying the solutions adopted in a reasoned manner.

Individual work and tests

Presentation and defence of research

Competences

1.Independently plan and implement a semester paper based on scientific literature, respecting the principles of academic integrity and research ethics.

Individual work and tests

Methodology overview Literature and theoretical report

2.Critically evaluate the reliability of the information, provide reasoned conclusions and take responsibility for the quality of the work.

Individual work and tests

Drawing up conclusions and proposals. Review

3.Integrates received feedback into semester paper development and Bachelor’s thesis project development.

Individual work and tests

Bachelor’s thesis project Presentation and defence of research

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Research proposal

10.00% from total grade
10 points

A research proposal has been developed and submitted, which includes the relevance and problem of the subject of the report, the purpose of the study, research questions and tasks, as well as information on the keywords of the work and the strategy for searching for literature, a list of literature has been indicated.

2.

Literature and theoretical report

15.00% from total grade
10 points

A literature and theoretical report has been developed and submitted, including the variable characteristics considered, the theoretical framework, the conceptual map and the interconnectedness of the structures.

Create a work table with the planned work structure.

Submit a work coordinated with the work supervisor to e-studies according to the topic of lectures and classes “selection of literature and literature review. Create work content ’.

3.

Methodology overview

15.00% from total grade
10 points

A part of the methodological review comprising the methodological analysis of 5-7 studies and its aggregation has been developed and submitted.

The review is coordinated with the work supervisor and submitted to e-studies after lectures “texture and academic integrity.”

4.

Drawing up conclusions and proposals.

10.00% from total grade
10 points

Work conclusions and proposals, including responses to research questions/questions, future recommendations and practical applications, have been developed and submitted.

Following the lectures “drawing up conclusions and proposals.” work coordinated with the head of work is submitted to e-studies.

5.

Bachelor’s thesis project

10.00% from total grade
10 points

Based on the research and conclusions of the semester paper, the student develops a structured Bachelor’s thesis project that serves as a preparatory stage for the Bachelor’s thesis development.

6.

Review

0.00% from total grade
Test

A review of the semester paper has been developed for a member of the group, in accordance with the requirements.

Filing a review in time is a must for a student to be admitted to defense.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Presentation and defence of research

40.00% from total grade
10 points

The content of the work is consistent with the topic, purpose, research tasks, research question (ies) of the study, the current and problem of the study is justified in the work, all variables and their relationships are characterised and conclusions are drawn. The work has been drawn up in accordance with the methodological requirements for semester paper design.

Students who have submitted a review within the time limit for which all interim work has been submitted and fulfils at least the minimum academic requirements shall be admitted to defence. If any of the mandatory conditions are not met, the student is not allowed to defend the semester paper.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Study course progress, requirements and evaluation criteria. General issues of semester paper development. Presentation of a research idea.
Description

Abstract: all sections of the semester paper have been discussed, the choice of the subject of the study, the choice of the supervisor and cooperation with the supervisor, the use of artificial intelligence and other digital tools in the research process, scientific writing, common difficulties, challenges and support in the development of the work.

Literature: Martinson, K., and Piper, A. (Rev.), (2021). Methodology of scientific activity: Interdisciplinary perspective. RSU publishing house. Chapter 11 stages of study and dissemination of results

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Study course progress, requirements and evaluation criteria. General issues of semester paper development. Presentation of a research idea.
Description

Abstract: all sections of the semester paper have been discussed, the choice of the subject of the study, the choice of the supervisor and cooperation with the supervisor, the use of artificial intelligence and other digital tools in the research process, scientific writing, common difficulties, challenges and support in the development of the work.

Literature: Martinson, K., and Piper, A. (Rev.), (2021). Methodology of scientific activity: Interdisciplinary perspective. RSU publishing house. Chapter 11 stages of study and dissemination of results

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Study course progress, requirements and evaluation criteria. General issues of semester paper development. Presentation of a research idea.
Description

Abstract: all sections of the semester paper have been discussed, the choice of the subject of the study, the choice of the supervisor and cooperation with the supervisor, the use of artificial intelligence and other digital tools in the research process, scientific writing, common difficulties, challenges and support in the development of the work.

Literature: Martinson, K., and Piper, A. (Rev.), (2021). Methodology of scientific activity: Interdisciplinary perspective. RSU publishing house. Chapter 11 stages of study and dissemination of results

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Justification of the topicality of the research, formulation of a research problem, aim, research question.
Description

Abstract: justification of the relevance of the study, problems, purpose, formulation of the study question. Lesson questions: How does the study’s topicality, problem, purpose, research question articulate? Literature: Martinson, K., and Piper, A. (Rev.), (2021). Methodology of scientific activity: Interdisciplinary perspective. RSU publishing house. Chapter 11 stages of the study and dissemination of results; Chapter 5 characterisation of the basic elements of the study in research starters.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Justification of the topicality of the research, formulation of a research problem, aim, research question.
Description

Abstract: justification of the relevance of the study, problems, purpose, formulation of the study question. Lesson questions: How does the study’s topicality, problem, purpose, research question articulate? Literature: Martinson, K., and Piper, A. (Rev.), (2021). Methodology of scientific activity: Interdisciplinary perspective. RSU publishing house. Chapter 11 stages of the study and dissemination of results; Chapter 5 characterisation of the basic elements of the study in research starters.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Literature overview and theoretical framework. Create work content.
Description

Abstract: Select a literature and create a report. Texture and academic integrity. Create work content.

Lesson questions: What is scientific literature? How do I search for scientific literature and select sources?

Literature: Martinson, K., and Piper, A. (Rev.), (2021). Methodology of scientific activity: Interdisciplinary perspective. RSU publishing house.

Academic writing. Plagiarism and avoidance of plagiarism. Literature: Martinson, K., and Piper, A. (Rev.), (2021). Methodology of scientific activity: Interdisciplinary perspective. RSU publishing house.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Literature overview and theoretical framework. Create work content.
Description

Abstract: Select a literature and create a report. Texture and academic integrity. Create work content.

Lesson questions: What is scientific literature? How do I search for scientific literature and select sources?

Literature: Martinson, K., and Piper, A. (Rev.), (2021). Methodology of scientific activity: Interdisciplinary perspective. RSU publishing house.

Academic writing. Plagiarism and avoidance of plagiarism. Literature: Martinson, K., and Piper, A. (Rev.), (2021). Methodology of scientific activity: Interdisciplinary perspective. RSU publishing house.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Study methodology overview.
Description

Abstract: study methodology and its aggregation.

Lesson questions: What are the study designs, data sources, data mining methods, data types, and their analysis.

Literature: Literature: Martinson, K., and Piper, A. (Rev.), (2021). Methodology of scientific activity: Interdisciplinary perspective. RSU publishing house. chapters 5 to 10

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Study methodology overview.
Description

Abstract: study methodology and its aggregation.

Lesson questions: What are the study designs, data sources, data mining methods, data types, and their analysis.

Literature: Literature: Martinson, K., and Piper, A. (Rev.), (2021). Methodology of scientific activity: Interdisciplinary perspective. RSU publishing house. chapters 5 to 10

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Preparation of conclusions and recommendations.
Description

Abstract: drawing up conclusions and proposals. Literature: Martinson, K., and Piper, A. (Rev.), (2021). Methodology of scientific activity: Interdisciplinary perspective. Chapter 11 stages of the study and dissemination of results.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Preparation of conclusions and recommendations.
Description

Abstract: drawing up conclusions and proposals. Literature: Martinson, K., and Piper, A. (Rev.), (2021). Methodology of scientific activity: Interdisciplinary perspective. Chapter 11 stages of the study and dissemination of results.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Research formatting, presentation, defence.
Description

Annotation: Formatting of the term paper. Preparing presentation. Procedure for defense. Literature: Mārtinsone, K. un Pipere, A. (red.), (2021). Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplināra perspektīva. RSU izdevniecība.

Psiholoģijas virziena metodiskie norādījumi kursa, bakalaura un maģistra darbu izstrādei (2026) RSU.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Development of Bachelor’s thesis project.
Description

Abstract: all sections of Bachelor’s thesis project are discussed -

  • the relevance and problem of the study;
  • Objective, questions and tasks;
  • The planned design of the study;
  • Characteristics of the sample;
  • Planned measurement instruments;
  • The planned collection procedure;
  • Data analysis planned.

Methodological instructions for the direction of Psychology for the Development of the course, Bachelor’s and Master’s theses (2026) at RSU.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Defence of the Semester Paper.
Description

Annotation: Term Paper defence. Literature: Mārtinsone, K. un Pipere, A. (red.), (2021). Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplināra perspektīva. RSU izdevniecība.

Psiholoģijas virziena metodiskie norādījumi kursa, bakalaura un maģistra darbu izstrādei (2026) RSU.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Defence of the Semester Paper.
Description

Annotation: Term Paper defence. Literature: Mārtinsone, K. un Pipere, A. (red.), (2021). Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplināra perspektīva. RSU izdevniecība.

Psiholoģijas virziena metodiskie norādījumi kursa, bakalaura un maģistra darbu izstrādei (2026) RSU.

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
30 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Defence (Semester paper)
PART-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Justification of the topicality of the research, formulation of a research problem, aim, research question.
Description

Abstract: justification of the relevance of the study, problems, purpose, formulation of the study question. Lesson questions: How does the study’s topicality, problem, purpose, research question articulate? Literature: Martinson, K., and Piper, A. (Rev.), (2021). Methodology of scientific activity: Interdisciplinary perspective. RSU publishing house. Chapter 11 stages of the study and dissemination of results; Chapter 5 characterisation of the basic elements of the study in research starters.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Literature overview and theoretical framework. Create work content.
Description

Abstract: Select a literature and create a report. Texture and academic integrity. Create work content.

Lesson questions: What is scientific literature? How do I search for scientific literature and select sources?

Literature: Martinson, K., and Piper, A. (Rev.), (2021). Methodology of scientific activity: Interdisciplinary perspective. RSU publishing house.

Academic writing. Plagiarism and avoidance of plagiarism. Literature: Martinson, K., and Piper, A. (Rev.), (2021). Methodology of scientific activity: Interdisciplinary perspective. RSU publishing house.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Study methodology overview.
Description

Abstract: study methodology and its aggregation.

Lesson questions: What are the study designs, data sources, data mining methods, data types, and their analysis.

Literature: Literature: Martinson, K., and Piper, A. (Rev.), (2021). Methodology of scientific activity: Interdisciplinary perspective. RSU publishing house. chapters 5 to 10

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Preparation of conclusions and recommendations.
Description

Abstract: drawing up conclusions and proposals. Literature: Martinson, K., and Piper, A. (Rev.), (2021). Methodology of scientific activity: Interdisciplinary perspective. Chapter 11 stages of the study and dissemination of results.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Research formatting, presentation, defence.
Description

Annotation: Formatting of the term paper. Preparing presentation. Procedure for defense. Literature: Mārtinsone, K. un Pipere, A. (red.), (2021). Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplināra perspektīva. RSU izdevniecība.

Psiholoģijas virziena metodiskie norādījumi kursa, bakalaura un maģistra darbu izstrādei (2026) RSU.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Development of Bachelor’s thesis project.
Description

Abstract: all sections of Bachelor’s thesis project are discussed -

  • the relevance and problem of the study;
  • Objective, questions and tasks;
  • The planned design of the study;
  • Characteristics of the sample;
  • Planned measurement instruments;
  • The planned collection procedure;
  • Data analysis planned.

Methodological instructions for the direction of Psychology for the Development of the course, Bachelor’s and Master’s theses (2026) at RSU.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Defence of the Semester Paper.
Description

Annotation: Term Paper defence. Literature: Mārtinsone, K. un Pipere, A. (red.), (2021). Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplināra perspektīva. RSU izdevniecība.

Psiholoģijas virziena metodiskie norādījumi kursa, bakalaura un maģistra darbu izstrādei (2026) RSU.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Defence of the Semester Paper.
Description

Annotation: Term Paper defence. Literature: Mārtinsone, K. un Pipere, A. (red.), (2021). Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplināra perspektīva. RSU izdevniecība.

Psiholoģijas virziena metodiskie norādījumi kursa, bakalaura un maģistra darbu izstrādei (2026) RSU.

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
16 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Defence (Semester paper)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Mārtinsone K. un Pipere A. (red), (2011). Ievads pētniecībā. Stratēģijas, dizaini, metodes. Rīga: Raka.

2.

Mārtinsone, K. un Pipere, A. (2019). Pētniecības terminu skaidrojošā vārdnīca.

3.

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

4.

Puriņa-Biezā, K. E., Ozoliņa, L., Anohina-Naumeca, A., Jansone-Ratinika, N., Strods, R., Blese, I., Žuga, B., Koka, R., & Sīlis, M. (2024). Rīgas Stradiņa universitātes Pedagoģiskās izaugsmes centrs. Mākslīgais intelekts augstākajā izglītībā: Vadlīnijas. RSU

5.

Psiholoģijas virziena metodiskie norādījumi kursa, bakalaura un maģistra darbu izstrādei (2026) RSU.

Additional Reading

1.

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

2.

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