Research and Development Methods (5cr)

Evaluation methods and criteria

The course is assessed through partial completions. The overall grade is based on a weighted average of the partial completions. The assessment of the quantitative research (2 credits) is based on an exam and optional additional assignments.

Evaluation scale

0 - 5

Content scheduling

A more detailed schedule will be reviewed in the first lecture.

Objective

Students will possess the basic ability to develop their expertise in order to carry out different research and development projects, while understanding how they add to their expertise. They will be able to critically assess knowledge generated by research and development work.

Execution methods

Contact teaching.

Accomplishment methods

Quantitative research (2 cr)
-Exam

Qualitative research (3 cr)
-Qualitative research task
-Questionnaire task
-Scientific report

Course includes lectures, independent tasks and exercises and small group work. 5 cr equals to 135 hours of work. More detailed information about the course content and schedule will be informed in basic information of realization.

Content

Basis of research and development
Qualitative research process
Quantitative research process
Research material analysis and interpretation

Location and time

The lectures will be held from September onwards once or twice a week.

Materials

To be announced it in the first lecture.

Teaching methods

The studies consist of lectures held in the classroom, independent study, and exercises. The quantitative research course includes 11 lectures, an exam, and optional additional assignments.

Employer connections

-

Exam schedules

The quantitative research exam is held during the second-to-last lecture of the section. The exam can be retaken twice at the resit exam session. Registration for the resit exam must be done at least ten days before the resit.

International connections

-

Completion alternatives

The implementation does not have optional methods of execution.

Student workload

The course requires approximately 135 hours of work from the student. Lectures cover about 50 hours. The remaining 85 hours are allocated to assessed course assignments and independent study. Of these, around 51 hours are dedicated to qualitative and action research, and 34 hours to quantitative research. These figures are indicative, and the actual workload depends on how much time each student decides to devote to their studies.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The students are able to use appropriate research and development concepts. They are able to describe the main features of the research and development process in general. The students are able to describe a piece of completed research.
They are able to systematically plan the implementation of method(s) used in a research and development process, though some uncertainty may be apparent. The students are able to use appropriate research and development methods under super vision. They can work as a member of a group taking responsibility for their own actions and other group members into account.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The students are able to use fundamental research and development concepts systematically.
They are able to describe various research and development processes and justify related solutions. The students are able to analyse completed research. They are able to select appropriate research and development procedures based on acquired knowledge. They are able to reflect upon and critically assess their own competence.
The students are able to work independently and responsibly. They can work as a member of a group to achieve common goals. They are able to justify their work according to ethical principles

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The students are able to use research and development concepts in a variety of ways and with expertise.
They are able to analyse and critically assess completed research.
The students are able to analyse, compare, combine and select information and present alternative procedures in research and development processes.
They are able to analyse, reflect upon and critically assess their own competence.
The students are able to work independently, responsibly and with initiative. They can work as a member of a group promoting and developing the group's activities to achieve common goals. They are able to critically apply ethical principles in their work.

Further information

Guidelines for the use of AI—including its possibilities and limitations—will be reviewed during the first session in relation to the course assignments (based on Arene's AI recommendations).

Failure to follow the given instructions may result in the rejection of the course. If this is the case only with a single assignment, the student will be required to redo the task to receive a passing grade.

As with all the courses, it is possible to apply for credit transfer or recognition of prior learning (RPL) for the course, including the opportunity to integrate prior experience through a process of learning validation.

For course exams there will be two opportunities for retakes (3 attempts overall). If a student does not pass after 3 attempts, they will have to retake the course.