Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Course Paper
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
Beate Evelīna Dišlere
Structure Unit Manager
Kristīne Mārtinsone
Structural Unit
Department of Psychology
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 |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Concept of the course paper is developed. The student formulates the topic of his/her course paper, the research objective, topicality, problem, questions, tasks, search strategy and initial list of literature. The volume of the work is up to 2 pages. The work agreed with the supervisor is submitted in e-studies after the lecture and seminar topic "Justification of the topicality of the research, formulation of problems, objectives, research questions". |
||
|
2.
Literature and theoretical report |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Develop a literature and theoretical review that includes the characteristics of the variables considered, the theoretical framework, the conceptual map and the interrelationships between the constructs. Recommended size 10-12 pages. The work should be based on at least 20 scientifically based sources. Create a table of contents with the planned structure of the work. Submit the work, agreed with the supervisor, in e-studies after the lecture and seminar topic "Literature review and theoretical framework. Creation of the content of the work". |
||
|
3.
Methodology overview |
-
|
Test
|
|
Part of the methodology review is developed. Methodological analysis of 5-7 empirical studies is carried out, summarizing information on - study designs, sample characteristics, measurement instruments used, data collection procedure, data analysis methods, methodological limitations. Recommended volume approximately 2-3 pages. The work agreed with the supervisor is submitted to e-studies after the lecture and seminar topic "Research Methodology Review." |
||
|
4.
Drawing up conclusions and proposals. |
0.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Developed conclusions and proposals. Conclusions are formulated that directly answer the research questions, the limitations of the work are critically analyzed and further directions of research are outlined. Recommended volume about 2-3 pages. The work agreed with the supervisor is submitted to e-studies after the lecture and seminar topic "Preparation of conclusions and proposals." |
||
|
5.
Bachelor’s thesis project |
0.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Based on the research conducted and the conclusions drawn in the course paper, the student develops a structured bachelor's thesis project that serves as a preparatory stage for the development of the bachelor's thesis. The recommended volume is approximately 2-3 pages. The plan should include:
|
||
|
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 |
60.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
The defence of the course paper is held in an open format, with the participation of the author of the work, the supervisor and the members of the commission. The student prepares a structured presentation (approximately 7 minutes), in which he/she presents the topic of the research, its relevance, problem, aim, research questions and tasks, theoretical and methodological framework, main conclusions, proposals and the idea of the bachelor’s thesis project. The work is formatted according to the methodological requirements for formatting the course paper - the optimal volume of the work is 20-25 pages, excluding annexes, using a list of sources, as well as a title page, table of contents, abstracts and a list of concepts and abbreviations used in the work. The number of sources used cannot be less than 20-25 scientifically reviewed sources. Students who have successfully completed all independent works within the specified deadline, have submitted their course paper for plagiarism checking in Turnitin and have submitted a review of another course paper within the specified deadline are admitted to the defence. If any of the mandatory conditions are not met, the student is not admitted to the defence of the course paper. |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 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 |
-
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 |
-
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. |
-
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. |
-
Consultation
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
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. |
-
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. |
-
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. |
-
Consultation
|
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. |
-
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 |
-
Class/Seminar
|
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 |
-
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. |
-
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. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
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. |
-
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 -
Methodological instructions for the direction of Psychology for the Development of the course, Bachelor’s and Master’s theses (2026) at RSU. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
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 -
Methodological instructions for the direction of Psychology for the Development of the course, Bachelor’s and Master’s theses (2026) at RSU. |
-
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. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
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. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
30 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Defence (Semester paper)
PART-TIME
Part 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. |
-
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. |
-
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 |
-
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. |
-
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. |
-
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 -
Methodological instructions for the direction of Psychology for the Development of the course, Bachelor’s and Master’s theses (2026) at RSU. |
-
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. |
-
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.