Opetussuunnitelmat

Objective

You know basics of quantitative research and some methodology. You understand the strengths and the weaknesses of quantitative research. You have an ability to conduct a quantitative research and assess it as well as its applicability to your own field of research and development work. You can identify the applicability of various types of quantitative data and methods for solving different types of research questions.

Content

Epistemological grounds of quantitative research, definition of the research topic, formulation of the research questions, process of quantitative research, methods of data collection, main analysis methods for Master's thesis, reliability of quantitative research, ethics in quantitative research.

Quantitative Research
Hypotheses testing
Populations and samples,
Normality assumption of data,
Descriptive statistics,
Correlational analysis
Regression analysis (simple, linear),
T-tests and ANOVA
Validity and reliability of data, assumptions of parametric data
Logistic regression and non-linear regression,
Explorative Factor analysis,
Non-parametric tests
Revisiting assumptions of parametric data
Multi-collinearity, Autocorrelation and Heteroscedasticity

Location and time

The course is held in the autumn semester. There will be a two-hour long lecture and one hour of workshop per week.

Teaching methods

The primary modes of delivery are face-to-face learning (lectures, workshops, presentations), distance learning (e.g. online lectures and presentations) and hyflex learning mode.

Exam schedules

Exam will be held during the last week of the course and details of the exam date, timings and venue will be notified at the learning platform. The retake exam will be held once in the Spring semester and Autumn semester.

International connections

There are possibilities of having collaborations with other universities in Finland and abroad with respect to joint research, and corporate projects.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Sufficient 1: You demonstrate an understanding of the epistemological grounds of quantitative research as well as its strengths and weaknesses. You recognize different quantitative materials and methods that are suited for the solution of different types of research assignments. You have basic preparedness to carry out quantitative research. You perceive how quantitative research is assessed.

Satisfactory 2 : You demonstrate an understanding of the epistemological grounds of quantitative research as well as its strengths and weaknesses. You recognize and are able to select different quantitative materials and methods that are suited for the solution of different types of research assignments. You have basic preparedness to carry out quantitative research. You perceive how quantitative research is assessed and apply the information to the research and development work of your own field.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good 3: You demonstrate an understanding of the epistemological grounds of quantitative research as well as its strengths and weaknesses. You select and justify your choice of quantitative material and methods that are suited to solving the research assignments of your thesis. You have good preparedness to carry out quantitative research. You can assess quantitative research and apply the information to the research and development work of your own field.

Very good 4: You specify with justifications the epistemological grounds and methods of your quantitative research. You competently examine the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative research. You assess the suitability of different quantitative materials and methods to solving different types of research assignments. You have very good preparedness to carry out quantitative research. You assess quantitative research and its applicability to the research and development work of your own field.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent 5:
You specify with justifications the epistemological grounds and methods of your quantitative research. You competently examine the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative research. You assess the suitability of different quantitative materials and methods to solving different types of research assignments. You have excellent preparedness to carry out quantitative research. You critically assess quantitative research and its applicability to the research and development work of your own field.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree