Study Guide

Objective

The student:
- understands and is able to use qualitative and quantitative research and development processes and methods
- is able to apply a scientific and ethical approach in research and development activities
- is able to carry out a current work life-related development project

Content

Qualitative research methods
Quantitative research methods
Academic writing
Research ethics

Location and time

Part 1. Academic writing and Research ethics, conducted entirely online. The course is available on Moodle 1.9.2025-31.12.2025. Course introduction (1h) and two remote guidance (1h each) during the course.

Part 2. Qualitative methods, conducted entirely online. The course is available on Moodle 1.11.2025-31.5.2026. Course introduction (1h) and four remote guidance (1h each) during the course.

Part 3. Quantitative methods, conducted entirely online. The course is available on Moodle in 2026.

Materials

Course 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:
- Polit, D. F., Flanagan, J., & Beck, C. T. (2025). Polit and Beck's nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (Twelfth edition.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
- 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)
- 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)
- Comstock, G. (2013). Research ethics: A philosophical guide to the responsible conduct of research. Cambridge University Press.
- Bos, J., & Bos, J. a. (2020). Research ethics for students in the social sciences (First edition, 2020.). Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-48415-6

Teaching methods

The course is divided into three separate parts:
1) Academic writing and Research ethics (2 credits)
2) Qualitative methods (5 credits)
3) Quantitative methods (3 credits)

Academic writing and Research ethics, 2 credits, will be offered as an online course in autumn 2025, qualitative methods, 5 credits, will be offered as an online course from autumn 2025 to spring 2026, and quantitative methods, 3 credits, will be offered in 2026.

Exam schedules

ACADEMIC WRITING AND RESEARCH ETHICS
The course in academic writing and research ethics can be completed during the period 1.9.2025 to 31.12.2025. Deadlines per module:
Module 1:
Module 2:

QUALITATIVE METHODS
The course in qualitative methods can be completed during the period 1.11.2025 to 31.5.2026. Deadlines per module:
Module 1:
Module 2:
Module 3:
Module 4:

QUANTITATIVE METHODS
The course in quantitative methods can be taken during 2026.

Student workload

ACADEMIC WRITING AND RESEARCH ETHICS (2 credits= 54 hours)
Modul 1: Course information 1h (introduction to the course)
Modul 2: Individual assignment = 26,5 h
Modul 3: Individual assignment = 26,5 h

QUALITATIVE METHODS (5 credits = 135 hours)
Module 1: Course information 1 hour (introduction to the course structure) + test on Moodle = 5 hours
Module 2: Home exam on Moodle = 25 hours
Module 3: Individual assignment = 55 hours
Module 4: Individual assignment = 50 hours

QUANTITATIVE METHODS (3 credits = 81 hours)

Content scheduling

The course is divided into three parts: (1) academic writing and research ethics, (2) qualitative and (3) quantitative part.

(1) Academic writing and research ethics (2 credits) will be completed during 2025. This part of the course is entirely virtual and available on Moodle.

(2) Qualitative methods (5 credits) will be completed during 2025-2026. This part of the course is entirely virtual and available on Moodle.

(3) Quantitative methods (3 credits) will be completed during the 2026. This part of the course will be realised partly through lectures.

Further information

All written submissions will be checked for plagiarism.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

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

Assessment criteria for assignment:
The student has followed the instructions and her/his 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 the assignment. She/He have a deficient knowledge of the substance also touching the essential

Assessment criteria, good (3)

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

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

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Criteria for evaluation of the 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 seminar. The assignment and the possible opponentship 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 seminar

Assessment methods and criteria

ACADEMIC WRITING AND RESEARCH ETHICS
Module 1 (weighting 50%) and Module 2 (weighting 50%) are assessed according to the scale pass/fail. In order for the student to pass Module 1 and/or Module 2, assignments must be submitted within the set time.

QUALITATIVE METHODS
Module 1 (test) is graded on a pass/fail basis. In order for students to pass the module 1, they must have completed the test.
Modules 2, 3 and 4 are graded on a scale of 0-5.
Module 2 (weighting 20%)
- knowledge of basic research ethics concepts
- ability to highlight issues of ethics, data protection and reliability/credibility in a multifaceted manner based on literature in research methodology
Modules 3 and 4 (weighting 40%)
- ability to plan, structure, conduct and critically evaluate research
- ability to formulate a research question
- ability to search for scientific articles and collect empirical data
- ability to present the analysis process
- ability to present the results of the analysis (written and visual presentation)
- ability to combine theory, practice and reflection
- ability to document and present logically and in a structured manner
- Use of literature
- Use of Novia's writing guidelines

To pass the course, all assignments (Modules 1-4) must be approved. Assignments must be submitted by the deadline. Late submissions may lower the grade.

QUANTITATIVE METHODS

METHOD SEMINARS
The research plan is assessed on a pass/fail basis.

Assessment criteria, fail (0)

QUALITATIVE METHODS
Module 2
Does not explain the key concepts and basic principles.
Is not based on literature.
Modules 3 and 4
The text is fragmentary and does not answer the questions.
Methodological literature is not used.
Reflections are not presented.
The technical design is inadequate.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

QUALITATIVE METHODS
Module 2
Refers to concepts and basic principles.
Based on methodological literature.
Modules 3 and 4
Questions are answered vaguely and narrowly.
Methodological literature is referenced.
Reflections are presented only to a limited extent.
The technical design is satisfactory.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

QUALITATIVE METHODS
Module 2
Understands and can explain concepts and basic principles.
Bases work on methodological literature and the guidelines of the Research Ethics Committee.
Modules 3 and 4
Questions are answered.
Methodological literature is applied.
The text is reflective and includes critical comments.
The technical design is good.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

QUALITATIVE METHODS
Module 2
Ability to see connections and draw own conclusions.
Versatile use of methodological literature and the guidelines of the Research Ethics Committee.
Modules 3 and 4
Questions are answered comprehensively and in a versatile manner.
Methodological literature is analysed and applied.
Reflection is scientifically analytical.
The technical design is commendable.

Qualifications

No prerequisites