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

Research Methods in Psychology

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VPUPK_182
Branch of Science
General Psychology; Psychology
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Psychology
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Department of Psychology
Contacts

Riga, Dzirciema Street 16, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587

About Study Course

Objective

Extend knowledge of psychological assessment methods, applicability and limitations, respecting professional ethics of a psychologist. Promote undergraduate students' understanding and ability to make psychological assessment (evaluation), using scientifically based methods for children and adults on the personality traits, intellectual abilities, etc.

Preliminary Knowledge

Bachelor's study courses – psychometrics, general psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, personality psychology, pathopsychology, clinical psychology, psychiatry.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Describe scientifically sound psychological research methods and the specificities of their use for different age groups (children and adults). Explains the stages, structure and professional specification of the psychological research process. Identify the basic principles and requirements for the preparation of the psychological research opinion and the cooperation report.

Skills

1.Formulate achievable research objectives and develop a sound psychological research plan. Selects the best research methods for the customer and target, justifying their selection. Demonstrate the ability to conduct psychological research in accordance with the planned process and professional standards. Analyse and interpret the findings, integrate them into a single structure, draw reasonable conclusions and make targeted recommendations.

Competences

1.Critically evaluate the adequacy of the selected methods in the case of a particular client, taking into account cognitive processes, research objective and professional ethics. Decisions on modification of the research process shall be taken independently, ensuring the highest professional quality and compliance with the legal framework.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work

-
10 points

Rated: certified psychologist mg. psych. Zane Gulbe, certified psychologist-supervisor mg. psych. Inga Safina

examination: face-to-face, RSU building.

Tasks: Completing a quiz test (10 questions), submitting to an e-environment.

- Controlwork test (in an e-environment) (includes verification of understanding and knowledge of both the research process for children and adults), to be completed in person, at the end of the lecture/lesson.

Conduct of the examination: face-to-face, RSU building.

Interview frame: Prepared folder of research instruments (methods) - a student expresses an understanding of the focus of the application of each intrument (method), is able competently to group/organise the intruders (methods) according to their framework, questions regarding the performance of the research (a short description of the case has been provided to the student, it is necessary to plan the research process), questions regarding aspects of data security, confidentiality and informed consent.

Arrival: 10 minutes before a student’s fixed time for an interview

, the start of interviews: (following a previously established list of students)

assessments will be calculated in accordance with the interest limits laid down in RSU academic Regulations:

96% to 100% - excellent (10);

85% to 95% - excellent (9);

75% to 84% - very good (8);

70% to 74% - good (7);

65% to 69% - almost good (6);

60% to 64% mediocre (5);

55% to 59% - almost average (4);

between 40% and 54% - weak (3);

20% to 39% - very weak (2);

0% to 19% - very, very weak (1).

A mandatory requirement is the provision of the assessment/feedback of the study course at the end of the study course on the e-learning platform!

2.

Important about attending classes

-
-

In accordance with the rules of Procedure of the study process of Rīga Stradiņš University - attendance of classes is mandatory.

If it is not possible to attend the class for justified reasons, the head of the study course, mg. psych. lect, shall be informed thereof. Zane Gulbe to agree a lesson replay.

If 85% of the class volume is delayed, completion of the study course shall not be included.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Examination

-
10 points

Tasks: Completing a quiz test (10 questions), submitting to an e-environment.

- Controlwork test (in an e-environment) (includes verification of understanding and knowledge of both the research process for children and adults), to be completed in person, at the end of the lecture/lesson.

Conduct of the examination: face-to-face, RSU building.

Interview frame: Prepared folder of research instruments (methods) - a student expresses an understanding of the focus of the application of each intrument (method), is able competently to group/organise the intruders (methods) according to their framework, questions regarding the performance of the research (a short description of the case has been provided to the student, it is necessary to plan the research process), questions regarding aspects of data security, confidentiality and informed consent.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Study course requirements and evaluation criteria
Description
Annotation: Study course requirements and evaluation criteria Topics covered during the class: Terms used in the study course: - Psychologist's report - Cooperation overview - Psychological assessment report - Psychological assessment methods Literature: Psihologu likums. Publicēts: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 75, 12.04.2017. OP numurs: 2017/75.1 Pieejams no: https://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=290115
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Psychological assessment in children.
Description
Annotation: Psychological assessment in children. Topics covered during the class: Psychological assessment methods in psychology for children. Literature: Bērnu tiesību aizsardzības likums. Publicēts: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 199/200. Pieejams no: https://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=49096
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Assessment methods of cognitive processes in children.
Description
Annotation: Psychological assessment using scientifically based methods Topics covered during the class: The purpose of psychological assessment. The process of psychological assessment. Analysis of information collected in the course of psychological assessment. Preparation of an opinion on the results of the psychological assessment, according to the purpose of the psychological assessment. Literature: Esther Geva, P., & Judith Wiener, P. (2015). Psychological Assessment of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children and Adolescents : A Practitioner’s Guide. Springer Publishing Company.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Assessment methods of cognitive processes in children.
Description
Annotation: Psychological assessment using scientifically based methods Topics covered during the class: The purpose of psychological assessment. The process of psychological assessment. Analysis of information collected in the course of psychological assessment. Preparation of an opinion on the results of the psychological assessment, according to the purpose of the psychological assessment. Literature: Esther Geva, P., & Judith Wiener, P. (2015). Psychological Assessment of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children and Adolescents : A Practitioner’s Guide. Springer Publishing Company.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Assessment methods of cognitive processes in children.
Description
Annotation: Psychological assessment using scientifically based methods Topics covered during the class: The purpose of psychological assessment. The process of psychological assessment. Analysis of information collected in the course of psychological assessment. Preparation of an opinion on the results of the psychological assessment, according to the purpose of the psychological assessment. Literature: Esther Geva, P., & Judith Wiener, P. (2015). Psychological Assessment of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children and Adolescents : A Practitioner’s Guide. Springer Publishing Company.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Assessment methods of cognitive processes in children.
Description
Annotation: Psychological assessment using scientifically based methods Topics covered during the class: The purpose of psychological assessment. The process of psychological assessment. Analysis of information collected in the course of psychological assessment. Preparation of an opinion on the results of the psychological assessment, according to the purpose of the psychological assessment. Literature: Esther Geva, P., & Judith Wiener, P. (2015). Psychological Assessment of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children and Adolescents : A Practitioner’s Guide. Springer Publishing Company.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Assessment methods of cognitive processes in children.
Description
Annotation: Psychological assessment using scientifically based methods Topics covered during the class: The purpose of psychological assessment. The process of psychological assessment. Analysis of information collected in the course of psychological assessment. Preparation of an opinion on the results of the psychological assessment, according to the purpose of the psychological assessment. Literature: Esther Geva, P., & Judith Wiener, P. (2015). Psychological Assessment of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children and Adolescents : A Practitioner’s Guide. Springer Publishing Company.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Assessment methods of cognitive processes in children.
Description
Annotation: Psychological assessment using scientifically based methods Topics covered during the class: The purpose of psychological assessment. The process of psychological assessment. Analysis of information collected in the course of psychological assessment. Preparation of an opinion on the results of the psychological assessment, according to the purpose of the psychological assessment. Literature: Esther Geva, P., & Judith Wiener, P. (2015). Psychological Assessment of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children and Adolescents : A Practitioner’s Guide. Springer Publishing Company.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Assessment methods of cognitive processes in children – case studies.
Description
Annotation: Assessment methods of cognitive processes in children. Topics covered during the class: case studies. Literature: Donald H. Saklofske, Vicki L. Schwean, & Cecil R. Reynolds. (2013). The Oxford Handbook of Child Psychological Assessment. Oxford University Press.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Assessment methods of cognitive processes in children – case studies.
Description
Annotation: Assessment methods of cognitive processes in children. Topics covered during the class: case studies. Literature: Donald H. Saklofske, Vicki L. Schwean, & Cecil R. Reynolds. (2013). The Oxford Handbook of Child Psychological Assessment. Oxford University Press.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Emotional sphere assessment methods for children – case studies.
Description
Annotation: Emotional sphere assessment methods for children. Topics covered during the class: Case studies. Literature: Donald H. Saklofske, Vicki L. Schwean, & Cecil R. Reynolds. (2013). The Oxford Handbook of Child Psychological Assessment. Oxford University Press.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Emotional sphere assessment methods for children – case studies.
Description
Annotation: Emotional sphere assessment methods for children. Topics covered during the class: Case studies. Literature: Donald H. Saklofske, Vicki L. Schwean, & Cecil R. Reynolds. (2013). The Oxford Handbook of Child Psychological Assessment. Oxford University Press.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Assessment methods of cognitive processes in adults.
Description
Annotation: Assessment methods of cognitive processes in adults. Topics covered during the class: The purpose of psychological assessment. The process of psychological assessment. Analysis of information collected in the course of psychological assessment. Preparation of an opinion on the results of the psychological assessment, according to the purpose of the psychological assessment. Literature: Donald H. Saklofske, Vicki L. Schwean, & Cecil R. Reynolds. (2013). The Oxford Handbook of Child Psychological Assessment. Oxford University Press.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Assessment methods of cognitive processes in adults.
Description
Annotation: Assessment methods of cognitive processes in adults. Topics covered during the class: The purpose of psychological assessment. The process of psychological assessment. Analysis of information collected in the course of psychological assessment. Preparation of an opinion on the results of the psychological assessment, according to the purpose of the psychological assessment. Literature: Donald H. Saklofske, Vicki L. Schwean, & Cecil R. Reynolds. (2013). The Oxford Handbook of Child Psychological Assessment. Oxford University Press.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Assessment methods of cognitive processes in adults.
Description
Annotation: Assessment methods of cognitive processes in adults. Topics covered during the class: The purpose of psychological assessment. The process of psychological assessment. Analysis of information collected in the course of psychological assessment. Preparation of an opinion on the results of the psychological assessment, according to the purpose of the psychological assessment. Literature: Donald H. Saklofske, Vicki L. Schwean, & Cecil R. Reynolds. (2013). The Oxford Handbook of Child Psychological Assessment. Oxford University Press.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Assessment methods of cognitive processes in adults.
Description
Annotation: Assessment methods of cognitive processes in adults. Topics covered during the class: The purpose of psychological assessment. The process of psychological assessment. Analysis of information collected in the course of psychological assessment. Preparation of an opinion on the results of the psychological assessment, according to the purpose of the psychological assessment. Literature: Donald H. Saklofske, Vicki L. Schwean, & Cecil R. Reynolds. (2013). The Oxford Handbook of Child Psychological Assessment. Oxford University Press.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Assessment methods of cognitive processes in adults.
Description
Annotation: Assessment methods of cognitive processes in adults. Topics covered during the class: The purpose of psychological assessment. The process of psychological assessment. Analysis of information collected in the course of psychological assessment. Preparation of an opinion on the results of the psychological assessment, according to the purpose of the psychological assessment. Literature: Donald H. Saklofske, Vicki L. Schwean, & Cecil R. Reynolds. (2013). The Oxford Handbook of Child Psychological Assessment. Oxford University Press.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Assessment methods of cognitive processes in adults.
Description
Annotation: Assessment methods of cognitive processes in adults. Topics covered during the class: The purpose of psychological assessment. The process of psychological assessment. Analysis of information collected in the course of psychological assessment. Preparation of an opinion on the results of the psychological assessment, according to the purpose of the psychological assessment. Literature: Donald H. Saklofske, Vicki L. Schwean, & Cecil R. Reynolds. (2013). The Oxford Handbook of Child Psychological Assessment. Oxford University Press.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Assessment methods of cognitive processes in adults – case studies.
Description
Annotation: Assessment methods of cognitive processes in adults. Topics covered during the class: Case studies. Literature: Wright, A. J. (Ed.). (2019). Essentials of psychological assessment supervision. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Personality assessment methods.
Description
Annotation: Personality assessment methods. Topics covered during the class: Development of a Multidimentional Self-Report Personality Inventory and its Validation in the Sample of Latvian Adults. Literature: Perepjolkina, V. (2014). Daudzdimensionālas personības aptaujas izstrāde un validizācija Latvijas pieaugušo izlasē. Promocijas darbs. LU. https://dspace.lu.lv/dspace/bitstream/handle/7/4921/40321-Viktorija_Perepjolkina_2014.pdf?sequence=1
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Personality assessment methods.
Description
Annotation: Personality assessment methods. Topics covered during the class: Development of a Multidimentional Self-Report Personality Inventory and its Validation in the Sample of Latvian Adults. Literature: Perepjolkina, V. (2014). Daudzdimensionālas personības aptaujas izstrāde un validizācija Latvijas pieaugušo izlasē. Promocijas darbs. LU. https://dspace.lu.lv/dspace/bitstream/handle/7/4921/40321-Viktorija_Perepjolkina_2014.pdf?sequence=1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Intelligence assessment.
Description
Annotation: Intelligence assessment. Topics covered during the class: Intelligence Structure Test. Literature: Wright, A. J. (Ed.). (2019). Essentials of psychological assessment supervision. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Intelligence assessment.
Description
Annotation: Intelligence assessment. Topics covered during the class: Intelligence Structure Test. Literature: Wright, A. J. (Ed.). (2019). Essentials of psychological assessment supervision. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Preparation of a report.
Description
Annotation: Preparation of a report. Topics covered during the class: Case studies. Literature: Wright, A. J. (Ed.). (2019). Essentials of psychological assessment supervision. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
48 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2023). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.

2.

Sommers-Flanagan, J., & Sommers-Flanagan, R. (2023). Clinical interviewing (7th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

3.

Coolican, H. (2025). Research methods and statistics in psychology (8th ed.). Routledge.

4.

Howitt, D., & Cramer, D. (2025). Research methods in psychology (7th ed.). Pearson.

5.

Brdar, I. (Ed.). (2023). Research methods in clinical psychology: Advanced techniques for master’s students. Springer.

6.

Levitt, H. M. (2024). Reporting qualitative research in psychology: How to meet APA style journal article reporting standards (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association.

Additional Reading

1.

Groth-Marnat, G., & Wright, A. J. (2024). Handbook of psychological assessment (7th ed.). John Wiley & Sons

2.

Silverman, D. (2025). Doing qualitative research (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.

3.

Psihologu ētikas kodekss izdots saskaņā ar Psihologu likuma 7.panta ceturtās daļas 3.punktu.

4.

Field, A. (2024). Discovering statistics using R and RStudio (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.

5.

Norcross, J. C., & Wampold, B. E. (2023). Evidence-based therapy relationships: An update. Psychotherapy, 60(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000468

Other Information Sources

1.

Izglītības kvalitātes valsts dienests. Psihologa atzinuma par personas psiholoģisko izpēti vadlīnijas.

2.

Izglītības kvalitātes valsts dienests. Vadlīnijas sadarbības pārskata veidošanai.

3.

Ministru kabineta noteikumi Nr. 301. Psihologu noteikumi. Publicēts: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 106, 31.05.2018. OP numurs: 2018/106.3.

4.

Saeima ir pieņēmusi un Valsts prezidents izsludina šādu likumu: Psihologu likums. Publicēts: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 75, 12.04.2017. OP numurs: 2017/75.1