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Basics of Research

Course developer

Prior knowledge

Soci1014, General Sociological Theory

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to form an understanding of the basic principles of the organization of scientific research and elaboration of academic publications in the study process in accordance with the principles of research ethics and academic integrity. During the study course, students are introduced to the principles of research in sociology, starting with the choice of topic and formulation of the title, the main components of the research, the style of scientific language and ending with the design of the completed research paper and presentation of the results. During the course students acquire skills to plan sociological research as well as to create academic texts in accordance with the principles of research ethics and academic integrity.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge. Knows the course of scientific research implementation, principles of research ethics and types of research in social sciences (test 1); knows the basic principles of formulating the elements of the programmatic part of the research (group work); knows the basic principles of writing and presenting scientific papers (test 2); knows the possibilities of obtaining information and databases in research work (report).
Skills. Ability to define a research problem, research topic and develop a research programme (individual work, group work); ability to plan sociological research in accordance with the principles of research ethics (individual work); ability to write a scientific text and review the literature, using appropriate sources of information and observing the principles of academic integrity (individual work, report); ability to perform tasks responsibly, on time (group work, individual works); ability to present and explain the results of his / her work to others (presentation of the report).
Competence. Ability to identify and define the research problem and theoretically justify its investigation (report); ability to plan the course of research work in accordance with the principles of professional ethics and academic integrity (group work, individual works); ability to create a scientific report of a specific topic and present the results of research (report and its presentation).

Course Content(Calendar)

1. The essence of scientific work. - 2 hours
2. Research ethics and academic integrity. - 2 hours
3. Scientific research and its main stages. - 2 hours
4. Research programme. - 1 hour
5. Theoretical part in research work. - 2 hours
6. Description of the research methodology in the scientific paper. - 1 hour
7. Elaboration of the empirical part of the research. - 2 hours
8. Work with information sources. - 1 hour
9. Publication of research results. - 2 hours
10. Procedure for elaboration and defense of student research papers. - 1 hour

List of seminar topics (16 hours)

1. Scientific and everyday cognition. - 1 hour
2. Academic integrity in study papers. - 1 hour
3. Independent work: Codes of research ethics. - 1 hour
4. Research designs and research strategies. - 2 hours
5. Test 1: Types of research in social sciences and principles of research ethics. - 1 hour
6. Group work: Formulation of the research topic and the research program. - 1 hour
7. Literature review and its types. - 1 hour
8. Description of the research methodology. - 1 hour
9. Linking theory and empirical data in research paper. - 1 hour
10. Structure of a scientific article. - 1 hour
11. Independent work: Compiling a list of literature sources and bibliographical references. -1 hour
12. Publication and presentation of research results. - 1 hour
13. Test 2: Basic principles of writing and presenting scientific papers. - 1 hour
14. Research report: Presentations of reports on previous research. - 2 hours

Requirements for awarding credit points

Formal test with a grade. The final assessment is cumulative on the following topics and tasks: 1) Codes of research ethics (independent work - 10%); 2) Types of research in social sciences and principles of research ethics (test 1 - 15%); 3) Formulation of the research topic and the research program (group work - 10%); 4) Compiling a list of literature sources and bibliographical references (independent work - 10%), 5) Basic principles of writing and presenting scientific papers (test 2 – 15%); 6) Presentations of reports on previous research (research report – 40%).

Study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with the Order of the Vice-Rector of Studies No. 2.4.-5/59 On distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. The students learn the topics included in the study course independently, using the materials created and placed by the lecturer in the e-studies (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics in distance learning is organised in the form of self-assessment tests, discussion forums and independent work, as well as in face-to-face or online consultations, lectures and final examinations according to the timetable.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Literature studies, preparation for individual tasks, preparation of the report on previous research.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Students must prepare two individual tasks (20%) and a group work (10%), they must pass two tests (30%), and prepare a report on previous research and present it (40%). 10% corresponds to one point on the 10-point assessment scale.

Compulsory reading

1. Creswell, J. W. Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches, 4th ed. London, Thousand Oaks, New Delhi, Singapore: SAGE Publications, 2014. 342 p.
2. David M., Sutton C.D. Social Research. The Basics. London: Sage Publications, 2004. 385 p.
3. Guthrie G. Basic Research Methods: An Entry to Social Science Research. New Delhi, India: Sage Publications, 2010. 222 p. eBook. Pieejams elektroniski LLU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e000xww&AN=340339&site=ehost-live&scope=site&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_222
4. Kristapsone S. Zinātniskā pētniecība studiju procesā. Rīga: Biznesa augstskola Turība, 2008. 349.lpp.
5. Lebrun J.L. Scientific Writing: A Reader and Writer’s Guide. London, Singapore: World Scientific Publishing Co, 2007. Pieejams: http://sina.sharif.edu/~hatef/files/Scientific%20Writing-%20A%20Reader%20and%20Writer%E2%80%99s%20Guide%20-%209812701443.pdf
6. Luke S. Academic Writing. Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing. 2013, 132 p. Pieejams elektroniski LLU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e000xww&AN=816736&site=ehost-live&scope=site&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_C
7. Mārtinsone K. (sast.) Ievads pētniecībā: stratēģijas, dizaini, metodes. Rīga: RaKa, 2011. 284 lpp.
8. Mārtinsone K., Pipere A. (zin.red.) Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījumu rezultātu izplatīšana. Rīga: RSU, 2018. 301 lpp.
9. Woodfield K. The Ethics of Online Research. Bingley, UK: Emerald Publishing Limited (Advances in Research Ethics and Integrity), 2018. 268 p. Pieejams elektroniski LLU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e000xww&AN=1577428&site=ehost-live&scope=site&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_1

Further reading

1. Akadēmiskā godīguma terminu vārdnīca. Akadēmiskā godīguma vispārējās
vadlīnijas. Uzziņu izdevums. Rīga: RTU Izdevniecība, 2020. 161 lpp. Pieejams: https://ebooks.rtu.lv/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2020/02/9789934224324_Akademiska-godiguma-terminu-vardnica_visparejas-vadlinijas_PDF-1.pdf
2. Mack A.C. How to Write a Good Scientific Paper. Bellingham, Washington: SPIE Press, 2018. 124 p. Pieejams: https://spie.org/samples/9781510619142.pdf
3. Kroplijs A., Raščevska M. Kvalitatīvās pētniecības metodes sociālajās zinātnēs. Rīga: Raka, 2004. 178 lpp.
4. Toepoel V. Doing Surveys Online. London, Thousand Oaks, New Delhi, Singapore: SAGE Publications. 2015. 280 p.
5. Wolf C., Joye D., Smith W.T., Fu Y. (Eds.). The SAGE handbook of survey methodology. London, Thousand Oaks, New Delhi, Singapore: SAGE Publications, 2016. 740 p.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Citing & Referencing: Vancouver Style. Pieejams: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/media/imperial-college/administration-and-support-services/library/public/vancouver.pdf
2. Frequently Asked Questions About Sixth Edition APA Style. Pieejams: http://www.apastyle.org/learn/faqs/index.aspx
3. Harvard Referencing: Guide. Pieejams: http://www.citethisforme.com/harvard-referencing
4. Humanities and Social Sciences: Latvia. Riga: University of Latvia, Institute of economics, Latvian Academy of Sciences. ISSN 1022-4483 Pieejams: https://dspace.lu.lv/dspace/handle/7/402
5. Latvijas Universitātes raksti. Socioloģija. Rīga: Latvijas Universitāte. ISSN 1407-2157 Pieejams:
https://dspace.lu.lv/dspace/handle/7/1887
6. The British Journal of Sociology Online ISSN:1468-4446 Pieejams: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14684446

Notes

Compulsory study course in the ESAF academic bachelor study programme “Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration”