Study Guide

Objective

• The students understand the research process and the different parts of the thesis
• The students can apply the research process systematically and flexibly in the thesis
• The students understand and can use selected qualitative and quantitative methods
• The students can apply appropriate data collection and data analysis methods in the thesis
• The students have the ability to write and argue scientifically in the thesis
• The students can apply, analyze and develop approach that promote economic, ecological and social sustainability in the research process

Content

The Research Process and the Different Parts
Qualitative and Quantitative Data Collection and Data Analysis Methods
Thesis
Scientific Writing

Location and time

5.11.2025-10.12.2025 Campus Alere.

Quantitative methods, 2 ECTS with Ralf Lillbacka: Autumn 2025.
Qualitative methods, 3 ECTS with Jaana: Autumn 2025 / Spring 2026.

Materials

Quantitative methods: the following literature is recommended: Holme, I.M. & Solvang, B.K. (1992). Forskningsmetodik. Kvalitativa och kvantitativa metoder. Lund: Studentlitteratur. Widjeskog, Ö. 1995 (eller nyare upplaga). Statistik. En introduktion. Åbo: W-statistik, or other literature suggested by the examiner.

Jaana´s part: Study material and course literature on Moodle.
Denscombe, M. (2010). The good research guide: For small-scale social research projects (4th ed.). 1 ex.
Holme, I. M. & Solvang, B. K. (1997). 2 (uppl.). Forskningsmetodik. Om kvalitativa och kvantitativa metoder.
Jakobsson, U. (2011). Forskningens termer och begrepp- en ordbok.
Olsson, H. & Sörensen, S. (2007). 2 (uppl.). Forskningsprocessen- kvalitativa och kvantitativa perspektiv.
Patel, R. & Davidson, B. (2011). 4 (uppl.). Forskningsmetodikens grunder. Att planera, genomföra och rapportera en undersökning.

In addition:
Databases through Finna.
Written instructions and previous thesis.
Current research within the industry.
According to the lecturer.

Teaching methods

Quantitative methods: lectures, exercises in computer class, as well as written assignment.

Jaana´s part: Lectures, workshops, research, guidance, narrative method, discussions and teamwork.

Employer connections

The students are encouraged to write thesis (idea plan) as commissioned work for working life.

Exam schedules

Quantitative methods: the written assignment must be submitted within a month of the date of the end of the course.

Jaana´s part, 3 ECTS: Examination consists of submitted assignments, grade (0-5). Deadline in January 2026 and idea seminar 28 January 2026.
1. Idea Plan, 1 ECTS. Students present their own plan at idea seminar 28 January, deadline for submission of work plan: the week before, 21 January 2026. Individual feedback is given after the seminar. Note! This plan can be required to be compensated after idea seminar, before given a grade.
2. Opposition and Opponent Story, 1 ECTS. Students have read the appointed student's work plan, have written the opponent story and oppose the plan at the idea seminar, deadline: 28 January 2026. Grade and feedback are included in the opponent story's grade and feedback. Feedback and grade are given via Moodle.
3. Active participation in classes, 1 ECTS.

Instructions for the examinations are given by each teacher at the beginning of course part.

Completion alternatives

Quantitative methods: written assignment (graded according to the scale 1-5)

Jaana´s part: Approved assignments (grade 0-5): own thesis plan, opposition and opposed written essay of thesis plan. Own thesis plan is presented and opposed at idea seminar 28 January 2026. Individual feedback is given on the thesis plan after the seminar.

Student workload

Quantitative methods:
The students work 27 hours / cr.
In class: 12h
Self study: 42h
Total: 54h

Jaana´s part:
The students work 27 hours / cr.
In class: 25 hrs
Self study: 56 hrs
Total: 81 hrs

Further information

More information is given at each course part introduction.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student demonstrates superficial competence and basic understanding of the subject

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student demonstrates a competence that is related and linked to the literature
The student can reflect and motivate from own point of view

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has an immerse competence and shows a deeper understanding of the subject in relation to the upcoming profession

Assessment methods and criteria

Quantitative methods: based on the written assignment, the student's ability to understand and apply fundamental statistical concepts, and to perform a statistical analysis, is evaluated.

Jaana´s part: The course is evaluated based on grades (0-5) for assignments (individual). The average of the grades for assignments form the final grade in the course.

Assessment criteria, fail (0)

Quantitative methods: the student does not understand and cannot apply statistical concepts and cannot perform an adequate statistical analysis.

Jaana´s part: The student has not followed the instructions of the assignment and shows especially vague competences and understanding within the theme.
The assignments are inadequate or lacking.
The student has not participated or contributed anything during the course.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Quantitative methods: notable weaknesses are found in the student's understanding and application of statistical concepts, or the statistical analysis is not adequately performed.

Jaana´s part: The student has partly followed the instructions of the assignments and demonstrates superficial competence and basic understanding of the subject.
The content of submitted assignments are satisfactory.
The student has participated in the course, but the commitment and activity have been low or satisfactory.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Quantitative methods: the student predominantly demonstrates a good understanding of and can apply statistical concepts, and only minor errors are found in the statistical analysis.

Jaana´s part: The student has almost or has fulfilled the instructions of the assignments and demonstrates good or eminently good competence and good understanding within the subject.
The content of submitted assignments are good or eminently good.
The student has participated or participated actively in the course and demonstrates commitment for content of the course and course assignments.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Quantitative methods: the student demonstrates a complete understanding of statistical concepts and makes only insignificant errors when applying them, and performs a statistical analysis without errors.

Jaana´s part: The student has fulfilled the instructions of the assignments and demonstrates excellent competence and a complete understanding within the subject.
The content of submitted assignments are excellent and exceptionally executed.
The student has been active during the course and demonstrates extra commitment and interest for content of the course and course assignments.

Qualifications

SKV24FL01