Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methodology
Course Code
VPUPK_271
Branch of Science
General Psychology; Psychology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Psychology
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Kristīne Mārtinsone
Structure Unit Manager
Kristīne Mārtinsone
Structural Unit
Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
Contacts
Riga, 16 Dzirciema Street, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587
About Study Course
Objective
To advance postgraduates' understanding of research methodology and to improve their ability to conduct independent research projects in accordance with contemporary research principles, demonstrating the ability to identify research problem or topic in accordance with socially relevant problems in a particular sub-branch of psychology, to identify relevant research issues, to design a study, sampling and research methods, to formulate research questions or hypotheses based on relevant literature, and design and present the research project.
Preliminary Knowledge
Knowledge in research methodology gained during Bachelor’s studies.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Students describe, analyse, compare and explain quantitative and qualitative research designs according to the criteria of scientific rigour; use the research terminology; describe the content and structure of the research project – an identified research problem or the general theme of the research, the research question or hypothesis, the planned research procedure, the defined research sample and methods used in the research; as well as analyze information based on the principles of qualitative research.
Skills
1.Students apply knowledge to identify socially topical and relevant problems for psychological research and choose the research problem or topic, formulate hypotheses or research questions, select and critically evaluate information sources for theoretical and methodological substantiation; explain the differences between quantitative and qualitative research and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses; develop own research project; apply ethical requirements for the scientific research; present and defend the research project. Skills to present the results of synthesis and analysis of the theoretical material and skills of qualitative data collection and analysis.
Competences
1.Students develop their own potential research project by demonstrating the ability to identify the research problem or the overall theme of the research, using knowledge and skills related to the basic principles of psychology research and relevant to societal concerns in a particular branch of psychology, demonstrating skills to create a literature review, to formulate research problem, justify topicality of the research, to formulate the research goal and question/hypothesis, choose appropriate research methods, evaluate the limitations of the research project and apply ethical principles.
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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1.
Individual work |
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1) Through the independent and systematic reading of indicated scientific literature, strengthen the material acquired in lectures to prepare for the test on research methodology;
2) Prepare the task related to the utilization of AI (artificial intelligence);
3) Prepare the group task of qualitative data analysis;
3) Create a presentation for a research project.
To evaluate the quality of the study course as a whole, the student must fill out 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
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Grade
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1.
Examination |
-
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1) General questions about research methodology, quantitative and qualitative research – a mid-semester test (20%).
2) Practical task on the utilization of AI – a mid-semester test (10%).
3) Practical task on qualitative research methodology (data analysis) - a mid-semester test (10%).
4) After three passed tests: development and presentation of own research project (60%).
More detailed sub-criteria for each of the four assessment elements (three mid-semester tests and exam) are seen in the e-studies under the description of requirements for each mid-semester test and exam.
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
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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
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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
Annotation: Introduction to the research methodology. Research strategies, comparison of strategies using theoretical and practical criteria. Key questions of philosophy of science.
Information on AI tasks. Information on the preparation of the research project and its presentation.
Literature: Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Goodwin, C. J. (2016). Research in psychology: Methods and design (8th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. (zin. red.). (2021). Zinātniskā darba metodoloģija: Starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Rīga: RSU.
Robson, C. (2017) Real world research: A resource for users of social research methods in applied settings. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
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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
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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
Annotation: Introduction to the research methodology. Research strategies, comparison of strategies using theoretical and practical criteria. Key questions of philosophy of science.
Information on AI tasks. Information on the preparation of the research project and its presentation.
Literature: Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Goodwin, C. J. (2016). Research in psychology: Methods and design (8th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. (zin. red.). (2021). Zinātniskā darba metodoloģija: Starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Rīga: RSU.
Robson, C. (2017) Real world research: A resource for users of social research methods in applied settings. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
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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
Annotation: Types of systematic reviews: narrative, activity review, systematic review, meta-analysis. Steps to create a systematic review, definition of relevant research questions and data sources.
PRISMA guidelines – what it means and what to pay attention to. Types of metaanalysis and prerequisites for performing.
Literature: Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Goodwin, C. J. (2016). Research in psychology: Methods and design (8th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Lawrence, W. N. (2014). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches, 7th edition. London: Pearson.
Leavy, P. (2017). Research design: Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, arts-based, and community-based participatory research approaches. The Guilford Press
Robson, C. (2017). Real-world research: A resource for users of social research methods in applied settings. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
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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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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
Annotation: Quantitative research designs. Hierarchy of evidence. Evidence-based practice: benefits and
limitations. Reflection on systematic reviews and metaanalysis.
Literature: Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Goodwin, C. J. (2016). Research in psychology: Methods and design (8th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Lawrence, W. N. (2014). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches, 7th edition. London: Pearson.
Leavy, P. (2017). Research design: Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, arts-based, and community-based participatory research approaches. The Guilford Press.
Millsap, R. E. & Maydeu-Olivares, A. (2011). The SAGE handbook of quantitative methods in psychology. Sage Ltd. Robson, C. (2017). Real-world research: A resource for users of social research methods in applied settings. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
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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
Annotation: Quantitative research designs. Hierarchy of evidence. Evidence-based practice: benefits and
limitations. Reflection on systematic reviews and metaanalysis.
Literature: Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Goodwin, C. J. (2016). Research in psychology: Methods and design (8th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Lawrence, W. N. (2014). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches, 7th edition. London: Pearson.
Leavy, P. (2017). Research design: Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, arts-based, and community-based participatory research approaches. The Guilford Press.
Millsap, R. E. & Maydeu-Olivares, A. (2011). The SAGE handbook of quantitative methods in psychology. Sage Ltd. Robson, C. (2017). Real-world research: A resource for users of social research methods in applied settings. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
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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
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2
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Topics
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Introduction to qualitative research. Research designs and scientific rigour. Methods of data collection
Description
Annotation: Issues of philosophy of science in the context of qualitative research. Introduction to qualitative research. Designs of qualitative research (grounded theory, ethnography, phenomenology, action research etc.). Scientific rigour in qualitative research.
Methods of data collection (observation, qualitative surveys, interviews, focus groups, document analysis, visual methods etc.).
Literature: Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London: SAGE Publications, Inc
Creswell, J. W. (2018). Qualitative inquiry & research design choosing among 5 approaches (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Denzin, N.K., Linkoln, Y. S. (ed. ). (2011). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Lawrence, W. N. (2014). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (7th ed.). London: Pearson.
Leavy, P. (ed.). (2014). The Oxford handbook of qualitative research. Oxford University Press, NY.
Leavy, P (2017). Research design: Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, arts-based, and community-based participatory research approaches. The Guilford Press.
Willig, C., Stainton-Rogers, W. (ed.). (2017). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research in psychology (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
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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
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2
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Topics
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Introduction to qualitative research. Research designs and scientific rigour. Methods of data collection
Description
Annotation: Issues of philosophy of science in the context of qualitative research. Introduction to qualitative research. Designs of qualitative research (grounded theory, ethnography, phenomenology, action research etc.). Scientific rigour in qualitative research.
Methods of data collection (observation, qualitative surveys, interviews, focus groups, document analysis, visual methods etc.).
Literature: Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London: SAGE Publications, Inc
Creswell, J. W. (2018). Qualitative inquiry & research design choosing among 5 approaches (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Denzin, N.K., Linkoln, Y. S. (ed. ). (2011). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Lawrence, W. N. (2014). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (7th ed.). London: Pearson.
Leavy, P. (ed.). (2014). The Oxford handbook of qualitative research. Oxford University Press, NY.
Leavy, P (2017). Research design: Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, arts-based, and community-based participatory research approaches. The Guilford Press.
Willig, C., Stainton-Rogers, W. (ed.). (2017). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research in psychology (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
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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
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2
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Topics
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Data analysis in qualitative research.
Description
Annotation: General overview of the data analysis in qualitative research. Methods of data analysis in qualitative research (thematic analysis, qualitative content analysis, narrative analysis, discourse analysis, continuous comparative analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis etc.).
Information on the practical task of the qualitative data analysis.
Outcomes of AI tasks.
Literature: Denzin, N.K., Linkoln, Y. S. (ed. ). (2011). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Leavy, P. (ed.). (2014). The Oxford handbook of qualitative research. Oxford University Press, NY.
Willig, C., Stainton-Rogers, W. (ed.). (2017). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research in psychology (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
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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
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2
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Topics
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Data analysis in qualitative research.
Description
Annotation: General overview of the data analysis in qualitative research. Methods of data analysis in qualitative research (thematic analysis, qualitative content analysis, narrative analysis, discourse analysis, continuous comparative analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis etc.).
Information on the practical task of the qualitative data analysis.
Outcomes of AI tasks.
Literature: Denzin, N.K., Linkoln, Y. S. (ed. ). (2011). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Leavy, P. (ed.). (2014). The Oxford handbook of qualitative research. Oxford University Press, NY.
Willig, C., Stainton-Rogers, W. (ed.). (2017). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research in psychology (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
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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
Annotation: The test items are based on the source listed in the list of mandatory literature sources: Mārtinsone, K. and Pipere, A. (Eds.) Methodology of scientific activity: an interdisciplinary perspective. Riga RSU, 2021.
The test consists of 50 closed-ended questions with four multiple-choice questions. Each question has only one correct answer, which corresponds to the explanation of concepts given in the above-mentioned literary source.
During the performance of the test, there is an opportunity to move freely around the questions, returning and correcting the submitted answers. For each correct answer, one point is assigned, which is converted into a percentage in the system, respectively, calculating the rating obtained in the test. The test counts if at least 55% of the correct answers are given. The time allotted for the test is 60 minutes, one attempt to take the test is allowed.
Literature: Boland, A., Cherry, M. G., Dickson, R. (2017). Doing a systematic review: a student’s guide. Thousand Oaks, CA : SAGE Publications.
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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
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2
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Topics
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Presentation of research project and discussion
Description
Annotation: Identification of current and significant problems in society, which are appropriate for research in psychological science, selection of a research problem or research topic, raising a research hypothesis or research questions, planning the course (procedure) of the research, determining the sample of the study and the design and methods to be used in the study.
Literature: Denzin, N.K., Linkoln, Y. S. (ed. ). (2011). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Leavy, P. (ed.). (2014). The Oxford handbook of qualitative research. Oxford University Press, NY.
Willig, C., Stainton-Rogers, W. (ed.). (2017). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research in psychology (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
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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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Presentation of research project and discussion
Description
Annotation: Identification of current and significant problems in society, which are appropriate for research in psychological science, selection of a research problem or research topic, raising a research hypothesis or research questions, planning the course (procedure) of the research, determining the sample of the study and the design and methods to be used in the study.
Literature: Denzin, N.K., Linkoln, Y. S. (ed. ). (2011). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Leavy, P. (ed.). (2014). The Oxford handbook of qualitative research. Oxford University Press, NY.
Willig, C., Stainton-Rogers, W. (ed.). (2017). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research in psychology (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
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Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London: SAGE Publications, Inc.
2.
Denzin, N.K., Linkoln, Y. S. (ed.). (2024). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (6th ed.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc.
3.
Goodwin, C. J. (2018). Research in psychology: Methods and design (8th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
4.
Mārtinsone, K. un Šneidere, K. (red.). (2020). Metodiskie norādījumi maģistra darbu izstrādei RSU psiholoģijas, mākslu terapijas un supervīzijas studiju programmās. Rīga: RSU.
5.
Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. (zin. red.). (2021). Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: Starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Rīga: RSU.
6.
Robson, C. (2017). Real world research: A resource for users of social research methods in applied settings. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Additional Reading
1.
Appelbaum, M., Cooper, H., Kline, R. B., Mayo-Wilson, E., et.al. (2018). Journal article reporting standards for quantitative research in psychology: The APA publications and communications board task force report.
2.
Becker, L. (2015). Writing successful reports and dissertations. London: SAGE Publications, Inc.
3.
Creswell, J. W. (2018). Qualitative inquiry & research design choosing among 5 approaches (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc.
4.
Lawrence, W. N. (2014). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative Approaches, 7th edition. London: Pearson.
5.
Leavy, P. (ed.). (2014). The Oxford handbook of qualitative research. Oxford University Press, NY.
6.
Leavy, P (2022). Research design: Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, arts-based, and community-based participatory research approaches. The Guilford Press.
7.
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..
8.
Mārtinsone, K. un Pipere, A. (red.). (2019). Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījumu rezultātu izplatīšana. Rīga: RSU izdevniecība.
9.
Millsap, R. E. & Maydeu-Olivares, A. (2011). The SAGE handbook of quantitative methods in psychology. Sage Ltd.
10.
Vogt, W. P., Gardner. D. C., & Haeffele, L. M. (2012). When to use what research design. The Guilford Press.
11.
Willig, C., Stainton-Rogers, W. (ed.). (2017). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research in psychology (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Other Information Sources
1.
Charmaz, H. (2024). Constructing grounded theory (Introducing qualitative methods series) (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications Ltd.
2.
Clandinin, D.J. (2022). Engaging in narrative inquiry. 2nd ed. London: Routledge.
3.
Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2017). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). Sage.
4.
Fetterman, D. (2019). Ethnography: Step-by-step (Applied social research methods) (4th ed.). Sage.
5.
MacLin, K. (2020). Experimental design in psychology: A case approach (9th ed.). Routledge.
6.
McNiff, J. (2017). Action research: All you need to know. SAGE Publications Ltd.
7.
Menard, S. (2002). Longitudinal research (Quantitative applications in the social sciences) (2nd ed.). Sage.
8.
Pētniecības terminu skaidrojošā vārdnīca (zin. red. Mārtinsone, K., Pipere A.)
9.
Reichard, C. S. (2019). Quasi-experimentation: A guide to design and analysis (methodology in the social sciences). The Guilford Press.
10.
Tashakkori, A. M., Burke Johnson, R., & Teddlie, C. B. (2020). Foundations of mixed methods research: Integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches in the social and behavioral sciences (Applied social research methods) (2nd ed.). Sage.
11.
Turner, D. W. (2010). Qualitative interview design: A practical guide for novice investigators. The Qualitative Report, 15(3), 754-760.
12.
Vagle, M. D. (2018). Crafting phenomenological research (2nd ed.). Routledge.
13.
Pētījumi datu bāzēs, atbilstoši izvēlētajai projekta tēmai psiholoģijā.
14.
Mākslīgā intelekta rīks Scopus AI (RSU abonēts uz visu 2025. gadu)