Research Methods
| Structure Type: | Study unit |
|---|---|
| Code: | TLYS0008 |
| Type: | Compulsory / Professional Studies |
| Curriculum: | T-LY 2013 |
| Level: | Master of Business Administration |
| Year of Study: | 2 (2014-2015) |
| Credits: | 3 cr |
| Responsible Teacher: | Ylinen, Mika |
| Language of Instruction: | Finnish |
Courses During the Academic Year 2014-2015
| Impl. | Study Time | Teacher(s) | Language | Enrolment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2014-08-23 – 2014-10-25 | Mika Ylinen | Finnish | 2014-08-15 – 2014-09-14 |
Learning Outcomes
Joint course: Keksi-Pohjanmaan AMK, Seinäjoen AMK, Vaasan AMK.
Action Research: Student is familiar with the approach and the methodological basic solutions of action research. He/she knows the typical applications, strengths, weaknesses and challenges of action research, in particular related to the study field. The student is able to produce a small-scale action research plan.
Qualitative Methods: The student knows the basic elements of the research and the thesis. He/she is able to collect qualitative data in several different ways. The student can learn to the analysis and the reporting methods of qualitative data. Students are able to assess the suitability, strengths and weaknesses of qualitative data.
Quantitative Methods: The student will acquire the skills of planning and implementation of quantitative business research. The student knows the main quantitative methods, the basic operations of the statistical software, and the interpretation of results. The student can choose the illustrative graphic and learn to report quantitative material scientifically.
Student's Workload
Total work load: 81 h.
- scheduled studies: 24 h.
- individual studies: 57 h.
The assesment of student's own learning 1 h is included in contact lessons.
Prerequisites / Recommended Optional Courses
No prerequisites.
Contents
Action research:
- knowledge interests, pragmatics, intervention and change
- action, the roles of actors, inclusion and the research ethics in action research
- data collection, the principles of analysis and interpretation, and reporting practices
- trends: developmental work research, critical action research and collaborative action research
Qualitative methods:
- the types of material, interview practices
- the relationship of the qualitative and quantitative methods
- the analysis process of qualitative data
Quantitative methods:
- the design of a questionnaire and coding,
- interviews,
- the formation of the observation matrix,
- the data tabulation and appropriate use of statistical methods related to the data and the research problem
- the use and limitations of statistical methods
- the selection of the graphical presentation
- report writing.
Recommended or Required Reading and Other Learning Resources/Tools
Action research:
- Greenwood, D. & Levin, M. 2007. Action Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.
- Robson, C. 1993. Real World Research. Oxford: Blackwell, pp. 430-463.
- Other material to be annouced during the course.
Qualitative methods:
- Alasuutari, P. (1999). Laadullinen tutkimus, 3. uud. p., Tampere, Vastapaino.
- Cassell C. & Symon G. (2004). Essential guide to qualitative methods in organizational research, London, Sage.
- Ereaut, G. (2002). Analysis and interpretation in qualitative market research, London, Sage.
- Eskola J. & Suoranta J. (2001). Johdatus laadulliseen tutkimukseen, Tampere, Vastapaino.
- Hirsjärvi S. & Hurme H. (2000). Tutkimushaastattelu: teemahaastattelun teoria ja käytäntö, Helsinki, Yliopistopaino.
- Koskinen I. Alasuutari P. & Peltonen T. (2005). Laadulliset menetelmät kauppatieteissä, Tampere, Vastapaino.
- Other material to be annouced during the course.
Quantitative methods:
- Heikkilä, T. 2008. Tilastollinen tutkimus. Edita.
- Holopainen, M & Pulkkinen, P. 2008. Tilastolliset menetelmät. WSOY.
- Nummenmaa, L. 2009. Käyttäytymistieteiden tilastolliset menetelmät. Tammi.
- Vehkalahti, K. 2008. Kyselytutkimuksen mittarit ja menetelmät. Tammi.
Mode of Delivery / Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
Lectures and assigments.
Assessment Criteria
To be announced.
Assessment Methods
To be announced.