Study Guide

Objective

The student:
- is able to explain the basic concepts in research
- is able to critically apply and evaluate different quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in various settings
- is able to choose appropriate research methodologies for research problems to be solved in different healthcare and/or social service settings.
- is able to interpret the research findings and evaluate the validity and reliability of the study
- is able to understand, consider, apply and promote ethical approach in research and development activities
- is able to independently carry out a work life-related development and/or research projects

Content

Qualitative and quantitative methodologies as well as mixed methods
Data collection
Data analysis and interpretation
Validity and reliability of the study
Research ethics

Location and time

Part 1. Qualitative methods are made entirely online. The course is available at Moodle 29.8.-31.12.2022. The students are recommended to study the course during autumn 2022. Course info (1h), week 35 + 3 x 1h online supervision sessions during the autumn (dates are being informed later).

Part 2. The course is available on Moodle. XX.XX.-XX.XX.2023.

Part 3. Method seminars, see the schedule for Method seminars and Mather's thesis seminars in Peppi / Moodle.

Materials

LITERATURE FOR THE QUALITATIVE PART OF THE COURSE

Obligatory literature (suggestions below): student chooses a book which presents the preferred method (if available) and publications related to research integrity.

Examples of general research method books:
- Gerrish, K. & Lathlean, J. (2015). Research process in nursing (Seventh edition.). Wiley Blackwell. (e-bok)
- Parahoo, K., 2006. Nursing Research. Principles, Process and Issues. Second Edition. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
- Holloway, I. (2017). Qualitative research in nursing and healthcare (4th ed.). Wiley Blackwell. (e-bok)
- Gibbs, G. R. & Flick, U. (2018). Analyzing qualitative data (Second edition.). Sage.
- Merriam, S. B. & Grenier, R. S. (2019). Qualitative research in practice: Examples for discussion and analysis (Second edition.). Jossey-Bass.
- Kyngäs, H., Mikkonen, K. & Kääriäinen, M. (2019). The application of content analysis in nursing science research. Springer International Publishing.
- Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M. & Saldaña, J. (2020). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook (Fourth edition. International student edition.). SAGE.
- Saldaña, J. (2011). Fundamentals of qualitative research. Oxford University Press. (e-bok)
- Hammersley, M. (2013). What is qualitative research? Bloomsbury Academic.
- Leavy, P. (2014). The Oxford handbook of qualitative research. Oxford University Press. (e-bok)

Specific research methods:
- Coughlan, M. & Cronin, P. (2017). Doing a literature review in nursing, health and social care (2nd edition.). SAGE Publications Ltd.
- King, N., Horrocks, C. & Brooks, J. (2019). Interviews in qualitative research (2nd edition.). SAGE Publications Ltd.
- Brinkmann, S. (2013). Qualitative interviewing. Oxford University Press.
- Lawson, H. A. (2015). Participatory action research (First edition.). Oxford University Press. (e-bok)
- McNiff, J. (2013). Action research: Principles and practice (3rd edition.). Routledge.
- Atkinson, P., Coffey, A., Delamont, S., Lofland, J., Lofland, L., Deegan, M. J., . . . Lather, P. (2007). Handbook of ethnography ([Uusintapainos].). SAGE Publications.
- Krueger, R. A. & Casey, M. A. (2009). Focus groups: A practical guide for applied research (4. [updated] ed.). Sage Publications.

Ethics:
- Finnish National Board on Research Integrity (TENK): https://www.tenk.fi/en
- What are Qualitative Research Ethics? (2012). Bloomsbury Academic. (e-bok)
- Love, K. (2012). Ethics in social research. Emerald.
- Comstock, G. (2013). Research ethics: A philosophical guide to the responsible conduct of research. Cambridge University Press.
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LITERATURE FOR THE QUANTITATIVE PART OF THE COURSE

Teaching methods

The course is divided into three separate parts; qualitative methods (5 ECTS), quantitative methods (3 ECTS) and method seminar (2 ECTS). Qualitative methods always go as an online course in the autumn semester and quantitative methods in the spring.

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QUALITATIVE METHODS:
The course on Moodle is divided into five modules:

Module 1: Introduction and a diagnostic test.

Module 2: Data collection. Individual/group working. You choose a data collection method in which you immerse yourself, do a small survey where you use the preferred method and present it to each other according to the instructions on Moodle. In addition, you give feedback to each other regarding the details according to the instructions on Moodle. It is optimal to have three people in the group.

Module 3: Data analysis. Individual assignment. A student chooses a theme and forms a research question. They search for three scientific articles or use the same data as in Module 2 and choose a qualitative analysis method. Students answer their research question using content analysis and present the analysis process and findings.

Module 4: Ethics, data protection and validity. Home exam submitted via Moodle.

Module 5: Review of a degree thesis. Students choose a higher UAS degree thesis within their own profiling in Theseus (https://www.theseus.fi/). NOTE the programs are slightly different in different UAS. Students read and assess the thesis according to instructions and documents found on Moodle.

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QUANTITATIVE METHODS

Exam schedules

QUALITATIVE METHODS
The course qualitative research methods can be accomplished under the period 29.8.-31.12.2022. Deadlines per module:
Module 1: 16.9.2022
Module 2: 7.10.2022
Module 3: 4.11.2022
Module 4: 2.12.2022
Module 5: 16.12.2022

QUANTITATIVE METHODS
The course in quantitative research methods can be accomplished under the period XX.XX.-XX.XX.2023

Completion alternatives

QUALITATIVE METHODS
Module 1: Diagnostic test (Moodle)
Module 2: Written report (group/individual assignment) as a PowerPoint form with recorded sound (instructions on Moodle) and peer review. A presentation should include a description of the method, how and when to use the method, pros and cons of the method, and a description of how you used the method (how did you use the method, reflection on the strengths and challenges). Peer review is given to other students in the group according to the instructions on Moodle.
Module 3: Individual assignment. Student analyses three scientific articles or the same data as in Module 2 using a quantitative analysis method. Student presents their analysis process and findings.
Module 4: Home exam submitted via Moodle
Module 5: Individual analysis and review of a degree thesis based on your interest. (conducted according to the instructions on Moodle)

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QUANTITATIVE METHODS

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METHOD SEMINARS

Student workload

QUALITATIVE METHODS (5 ECTS = 135 h)
Course introduction: (course info 1h + getting familiarized with the course) + diagnostic test on Moodle (=examination) = 10 h
Data collection: Students are working in groups of 3 people. Every student chooses a data collection method they study and use it in their reports according to the instructions on Moodle. Students record 10 minutes of video in which they present the method. The other group members review the group mates' presentations using the review criteria on Moodle. (=examination) = 40 h
Data analysis: Student choose a theme and forms a research question. They searched three scientific articles, used the same data as in Module 2 and chose a qualitative analysis method. Student answers their research question using content analysis and presents the analysis process and findings (=examination) = 40 h
Ethics, data protection and validity: Home exam on Moodle (=examination) = 25 h
Degree thesis: Student searches, reads and analyses one thesis (master's degree) and reviews it using the criteria found on Moodle and writes a report (=examination) = 20 h

QUANTITATIVE METHODS 3 ECTS = 81 hours

METHOD SEMINARS 2 ECTS = 54 hours

Content scheduling

The course is divided into three parts: qualitative, quantitative, seminars
Qualitative methods (5 ECTS) is accomplished during the autumn of 2022. This part of the course is entirely virtual and can be found on Moodle.
Quantitative methods (3 ECTS) is accomplished during spring 2023. This part of the course is partly based on lectures.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Criteria for evaluation of the written exam:
The student has a superficial knowledge of the subject (by heart reading)

Assessment criteria for assignment:
The student has followed the instructions and his/hers knowledge of the other students' work is inadequate. The student shows limited substance knowledge, it can be essential. The student shows insufficient knowledge about the other students' assignments. The student has followed the instructions for assignment. She/he have a deficient knowledge of the substance also touching the essential

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Criteria for evaluation of the written exam
The student can explain the literature, reflect and motivate his/her views

Assessment criteria for assignment:
The student has followed the instructions for the assignment and shows insufficient knowledge about the other students' assignments. The student has mastered the substance of his work, but the application is limited

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Criteria for evaluation of the written exam:
The student shows in her/his answer an in-depth knowledge and maturity beyond the traditional

Criteria for evaluation of assignment individually or in groups:
The student has followed the instructions for the assignment and shows that she/he has mastered the substance. She/he have read the other participants' assignments and can ask relevant questions and can lead a discussion at the possible seminar. The assignment and the possible role as an opponent show something out of the ordinary (technical execution, oral presentation, mature reflections, independent working methods)
The student has followed the instructions for the assignment and shows that she/he has mastered the substance. She/he have read the other participants' assignments and can ask relevant questions and lead a discussion at the possible seminar

Assessment methods and criteria

QUALITATIVE METHODS

Module 1 is assessed as passed/failed. To pass this module, the student needs to answer the diagnostic test.
Modules 2-5 are assessed using a scale of 0-5.
Module 2 (weighting 30%)
- readiness to plan, structure, perform and analyse research critically
- readiness to compare and critically analyse the objective of collecting and using data
- readiness to combine theory, practice and reflection
- readiness to document and logically and structurally present the tasks
- readiness to peer review
Module 3 (weighting 30%)
- readiness to form a research question
- readiness to search scientific articles/use data
- readiness to use a qualitative data analysis method
- readiness to present an analysis process
- readiness to present findings of the analysis (written and visual presentation)
Module 4 (weighting 20%)
- knowledge of basic concepts
- readiness to variedly clarify questions related to research ethics, data protection and validity using literature related to research methods
Module 5 (weighting 20%)
- readiness to analyse using literature related to research methods and review criteria
- readiness to assess the practical novelty
- readiness to summarise relevant data
- critical and constructive reflection

QUANTITATIVE METHODS

Assessment criteria, fail (0)

QUALITATIVE METHODS
Modules 2, 3 and 5:
The text is fragmented, and it does not answer the questions.
Literature related to research methods is not used.
Reflections are missing.
The technical forming has limitations.
Module 4:
Does not present the central concepts and the basic principles.
Literature related to research methods is not used.
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QUANTITATIVE METHODS

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

QUALITATIVE METHODS
Modules 2, 3 and 5:
Questions to the answers are vague and narrow.
Literature related to research methods is referred to.
Reflections presented are limited.
The technical forming is satisfactory.
Module 4:
- Concepts and fundamental principles are referred to.
- Is based on primary literature related to research methods.
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QUANTITATIVE METHODS

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

QUALITATIVE METHODS
Modules 2, 3 and 5:
- Questions are being answered.
- Literature related to research methods is applied.
- The text is reflective and critical viewpoints can be found.
- The technical forming is good.
Module 4:
- Understands and can clarify the concepts and the basic principles
- Is based on literature related to research methods and the instructions of the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity or international guidelines.
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QUANTITATIVE METHODS

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

QUALITATIVE METHODS
Modules 2, 3 and 5:
- Questions are being answered.
- Literature related to research methods is applied.
- The text is reflective and critical viewpoints can be found.
- The technical forming is good.
Module 4:
- Understands and can clarify the concepts and the basic principles
- Is based on literature related to research methods and the instructions of the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity or international guidelines.
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QUANTITATIVE METHODS

Qualifications

No prerequisites