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The Principles of Scientific Research

Course developer

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to provide knowledge about the specifics of scientific work in the social sciences, preparation of scientific publications and presentation of the research results to various target groups. Master students gain in-depth knowledge of the specifics of scientific work in sociology, types of social research and theoretical and practical aspects of their implementation (research planning and doing field work), cooperation with stakeholders, ethical aspects in social research, types of scientific publications and their preparation, as well as the publication of research results in various target groups.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge. Knows the structure of scientific work, types of research and their designs in social sciences (group work); knows the basic principles of formulating the elements of the programmatic part of the research according to the research design (individual task 1); knows the possibilities of obtaining information and using databases in the elaboration of research (individual task 2); knows the stages of scientific work (individual task 2).
Skills. Ability to define the research problem, the novelty of the research and the elements of the programmatic part; skills to choose appropriate theoretical concepts, work with scientific literature; ability to plan and organize sociological research; ability to plan the assigned work responsibly; ability to present and explain to others the results of own work (individual tasks, presentation).

Competence. Ability to identify and define the problem for scientific research and theoretically justify it (individual task 1); ability to establish cooperation with the stakeholders and to carry out sociological research in accordance with the principles of professional ethics (individual tasks).

Course Content(Calendar)

1.The essence and criteria for scientific work in social sciences. (2 hours)
2. Scientific research and its main stages. (2 hours)
3. Research program. (1 hour)
4. Development of theoretical framework for a scientific work. (1 hour)
5. Description of empirical research methodology in scientific work. (1 hour)
6. Development of the empirical part of scientific research. (1 hour)
7. Information sources and databases. (1 hour)
8. Publication and dissemination of research results. (2 hours)
9. Aspects of cooperation between the researcher and the stakeholders. (1 hour)
Topics for seminars (12 hours)
1. Interdisciplinarity and multidisciplinarity in contemporary research. (1 hour)
2. Comparison of researchers' codes of ethics. (1 hour)
3. Group work: Research designs and research strategies. (2 hours)
4. Selection of the topic of scientific work in sociology: identification of the research problem and formulation of the topic. (1 hour)
5. Individual task 1: Development of a research program. (2 hours)
6. Linking theory and empirical data in scientific work. (1 hour)
7. Structure of a scientific article. (1 hour)
8. Publication and dissemination of research results: creation and presentation of a poster. (1 hour)

9. Individual task 2: Presentations of literature reviews. (2 hours)

Requirements for awarding credit points

At the end of the study course there is a formal test with a grade. The final evaluation is cumulative on the following topics: 1) Development of the research program (independent task 1 - 10%), 2) Research designs and research strategies (group work - 20%), 3) Poster (presentation - 30%), 4) Literature review on the particular topic (individual task 2 and its presentation - 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

Master students elaborate their independent tasks, carry out literature review.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Master students must develop individual task 1 (10%), one group work (20%), prepare a poster (30%), prepare a literature review – individual task 2 (40%). 10% corresponds to one point on the 10-point assessment scale.

Compulsory reading

1. Creswell J. W. Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA etc.: Sage Publications, 2003. 246 p.
2. David M., Sutton C.D. Social Research. The Basics. London: Sage Publications, 2004. 385 p.
3. Kristapsone S. Zinātniskā pētniecība studiju procesā. Rīga: Biznesa augstskola Turība, 2008. 349 lpp.
4. 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
5. 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
6. Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījumu rezultātu izplatīšana. K. Mārtinsone, A. Pipere zin. red. Rīga: RSU, 2018. 301 lpp.
7. Ievads pētniecībā: stratēģijas, dizaini, metodes. Sast. K. Mārtinsone. Rīga: RaKa, 2011. 284 lpp.
8. Vedins I. Zinātne un patiesība. Rīga: Avots, 2008. 702 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. Mack A.C. How to Write a Good Scientific Paper. Bellingham, Washington: SPIE Press, 2018. 124 p. Pieejams: https://spie.org/samples/9781510619142.pdf
2. Kroplijs A.. Raščevska, M. Kvalitatīvās pētniecības metodes sociālajās zinātnēs. Rīga: Raka, 2004. 178 lpp.
3. 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
4. Toepoel V. Doing Surveys Online. London, Thousand Oaks, New Delhi, Singapore: SAGE Publications. 2015. 280 p.

5. The SAGE handbook of survey methodology. C. Wolf, D. Joye, W.T. Smith, Y. Fu Eds. London, Thousand Oaks, New Delhi, Singapore: SAGE Publications, 2016. 740 p.

Periodicals and other sources

1. 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
2. Latvijas Universitātes Raksti. Socioloģija. Rīga: Latvijas Universitāte. ISSN 1407-2157. Pieejams: https://dspace.lu.lv/dspace/handle/7/1887
3. LLU sociālās zinātnes. Pieejams: http://socialsciences.llu.lv/en
4. The British Journal of Sociology. Online ISSN:1468-4446. Pieejams: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14684446
5. Citing & Referencing: Vancouver Style. Pieejams: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/media/imperial-college/administration-and-support-services/library/public/vancouver.pdf
6. Harvard Referencing: Guide. Pieejams: http://www.citethisforme.com/harvard-referencing
7. Frequently Asked Questions About Sixth Edition APA Style. Pieejams: http://www.apastyle.org/learn/faqs/index.aspx

Notes

Compulsory study course in the ESAF academic master’s study programme “Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration”.