Research and Development Methods (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

The course Research and Development Methods (5 ECTS) provides students with essential skills for the professional development of products, processes, and project activities. It also forms the methodological foundation for the research and development work required in the thesis.
The aim of the course is to introduce and partially train students in useful approaches and methodological tools for the various stages of research-based development work. The course consists of three main themes:

- Initiating the thesis and presenting the project plan
- Basics of qualitative data collection and text analysis
- Basics of statistical analysis methods

The course is taken in the early stages of the studies, and it is assumed that students are familiar with the topic of their thesis when they begin the course.

11.9.2025 9-11 Qualitative methods/Erkkilä-Häkkinen
18.9.2025 9-11 Qualitative methods/Erkkilä-Häkkinen
9.10.2025 9-11 Qualitative methods/Erkkilä-Häkkinen
30.10.2025 9-11 Qualitative methods/Erkkilä-Häkkinen
13.11.2025 9-11 Quantitative methods/Kuikka
25.11.2025 9-11 Quantitative methods/Kuikka
4.12.2025 9-12 Quantitative methods/Kuikka
12.12.2025 13-16 Quantitative methods/Kuikka

Objective

After completing the course, the student is able to:
· to search and utilize scientific literature
· to identify and describe the main research and development approaches and analysis methods
· to choose and apply an appropriate methodology for his/her work
· to evaluate the validation of the research and development
· to write a scientific report
· to understand the significance of research data

Content

The emphasis on content may vary depending on implementation and field of study:
· Introduction to research including ethics
· Literature search and review
· Developing a research plan
· Research Ethics and Research Integrity
· Survey research methods
· Data analysis, statistical methods
· Research presentation

Materials

Academic Conventions:

Different writing-related online resources as an example: Academic Phrases for Writing Results & Discussion Sections of a Research Paper. (n.d.). https://www.ref-n-write.com/blog/research-paper-example-writing-results-discussion-section-academic-phrasebank-vocabulary/ (retrieved on 21APR2021)

APA Style. (n.d.). Https://Apastyle.Apa.Org. Retrieved May 29, 2024, from https://apastyle.apa.org

Quantitative methods:

Burke, S.E., & Silvestrini, R.T. (2017). The Certified Quality Engineer Handbook. ASQ Quality Press. Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Herzog, M.H., Francis, G., & Clarke, A. (2019). Understanding Statistics and Experimental Design - How to Not Lie with Statistics. Springer Open. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-03499-3
Kronthaler, F., & Zöllner, S. (2021). Data Analysis with RStudio - An Easy going Introduction. Springer Spectrum and R Studio. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-62518-7

Scientific articles

Qualitative research methods, for example:
Auerbach, C., & Silverstein, L.B. (2003). Qualitative Data: An Introduction to Coding and Analysis. New York University Press.
Dey, I. (2005). Qualitative Data Analysis: a user-friendly guide for social scientists. Taylor & Francis.
Eriksson, P., & Kovalainen, A. (2008). Qualitative Methods in Business Research. SAGE Publications.
Klenke, K., Martin, S., & Wallace, J.R. (2016). Qualitative Research in the Study of Leadership. (Second Edition). Emerald.

And other materials provided on itsLearning.

Teaching methods

The course includes individual assignments, group work, and a recorded presentation of the thesis plan, accompanied by both self- and peer assessments. Emphasis is placed on learning through feedback, as well as the development of feedback-giving skills. Students are expected to apply the research methods covered during the course to the planning of their own thesis projects. The finalized thesis plan is submitted for peer review and assessment.

In the pre-course assignments, students are required to engage with the provided materials and reflect on the foundational principles of both qualitative and statistical research methodologies. The pre-assignment also involves formulating a preliminary idea and plan for the student’s thesis.

The qualitative methods module focuses on the collection, processing, and analysis of research data. The statistical methods module begins with a review of descriptive statistics and basic analytical techniques. As part of the learning tasks, students analyze data either from their own workplace or from publicly available sources.

Thesis projects of a development-oriented nature are also addressed within the course framework.

Fundamentals of Info Skills are covered through a dedicated component facilitated by the library, including relevant tasks and exercises.

Exam schedules

None.

Pedagogic approaches and sustainable development

Lectures and various assignments provided through the Itslearning platform, including peer assessment.
Attendance at lectures is mandatory; any absences must be compensated with their additional assignments.

The principle of sustainable development is integrated into students’ their thesis projects, in alignment with current priorities in working life.
The course implementation emphasizes the use of digital systems and electronic materials. Thesis projects are no longer published as printed books.

Completion alternatives

Participation in Face-to-face lectures and completion of assignments is required. Absences must be compensated with additional assignments.

If necessary, this can be arranged during the IPS discussion or by agreement with the course teacher.

Student workload

Pre-assignments before the start of the course and prior to in-person sessions, total 30 hours:
• Pre-assignments on qualitative methods
• Pre-assignments on statistical methods
• The pre-assignments also include outlining the student’s own thesis idea based on the chosen research method.

Face-to-face lecture: 16 hours

Learning assignments, total 87 hours:
• Learning assignment on qualitative methods
• Learning assignment on statistical methods
• Finalized thesis plan, presentation (video), and assessment/peer assessment
• Assignments related to the library's module on the fundamentals of information retrieval (27 h / 1 ECTS)
Total: 133 hours
The workload estimate is indicative and designed to support the achievement of the course learning objectives. It reflects the average effort required to attain a grade of 3 out of 5. Depending on the student’s prior knowledge and experience, the actual workload may be higher or lower. Competence acquired during the course is assessed based on the quality of assignments and other deliverables, not on the number of hours completed.

Evaluation methods and criteria

Video lecture tests (passed/failed) - Lectures will not be recorded.
Preliminary and home assignments (passed/failed)
Delfoi-group study (passed/failed)
Opposing and opposing report (1-5)
Own research plan, and Self- and peer-assessments(1-5)

In addition to the knowledge base, the assessment of reporting will focus on the knowledge of academic conventions (such as writing style and tone, text structure, correct citation technique including in-text citations and bibliography), and depth of coverage.

Returning assignments after the deadline (late) may negatively impact the grade of the assignment.

Failed (0)

Assignments are not completed to an acceptable level and or not returned assignments - instructions have not been followed

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Communication and reflection are acceptable - assignments are partly done according to the instructions.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Communication and reflection are good - assignments are done according to the instructions.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Outstanding communication, reflection and application - assignments are done according to the instructions and returned on time -by the deadline.

Further information

Sirpa Erkkilä-Häkkinen(sirpa.erkkila-hakkinen@turkuamk.fi)
Matti Kuikka (matti.kuikka@turkuamk.fi)

For matters related to the course, it is recommended to use the discussion forum on the ItsLearning platform. Always remember to indicate in your message which course, assignment, and group you are referring to.
Tanja Vienonen coordinates the Library’s Info Skills -module.