Course code Peda6044
Credit points 12
Methodology of Scientific Research
Total Hours in Course324
Number of hours for lectures64
Number of hours for seminars and practical classes64
Independent study hours196
Date of course confirmation20.04.2011
Responsible UnitInstitute of Mechanics and Design
Course developers
Anita Vecgrāve
Dr. psych.
Anita Aizsila
Dr. paed.
Ludis Pēks
Dr. paed.
Prior knowledge
Peda6026, Methodology of Scientific Research I
Peda6027, Methodology of Scientific Research II
Peda6028, Methodology of Scientific Research III
Course abstract
The course comprises knowledge, skills and reflection abilities (considering ethics of research and philosophical aspects) on: ecological approach in pedagogical investigations; theory of measuring; valuation of validity; criteria of choice, and choice of methods of data processing; usage of IT; data processing techniques and presentation of results.
Learning outcomes and their assessment
Knowledge: on types of theoretical and empirical investigations, their planning and ethics, cooperation with psychologists, ascertaining of information necessary for the investigations, data obtaining and processing, presentation and publishing of results of the investigations. Skills: to plan the investigation, choose and evaluate information necessary for investigations and processing methods ethically, to implement adaptation and approbations of the methods, data processing and making of presentations using IT, to present results of the investigations. Competence: to carry out the investigation in cooperation with psychologists taking a responsibility of its ethics and work out the Master’s thesis, to speak in conferences and seminars, to supervise general education and Bachelor level theses, to work out methodologies of teaching and learning and prepare publications, to develop the competence of research methodology using the possibilities of non- and informal education.
Compulsory reading
1. Geske A., Grīnfelds A. Izglītības pētniecība. Rīga: LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2006. 261 lpp.
2. Kroplijs A., Raščevska M. Kvalitatīvās pētniecības metodes sociālajās zinātnēs. Rīga: RaKa, 2004. 178 lpp.
3. Raščevska M. Psiholoģisko testu un aptauju konstruēšana un adaptācija. Rīga: RaKa, 2005. 281
4. Cohen, L., Manion, L., Morrison, K. Research Methods in Education. London; New York: Routledge, 2007, 638 p.
Further reading
1. Katane I., Pēks L. Izglītības ekoloģija: starpdisciplinārs virziens izglītības pētniecībā. Sērija Izglītības ekoloģija. Jelgava: LLU, IMI, 2006. 55 lpp.
2. Briede B., Pēks L. Ekoloģiskā pieeja izglītībā. Sērija Izglītības ekoloģija. Jelgava: LLU, IMI, 2011. 160 lpp.
3. Creswell J.W. Educational research: planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research. Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications, 2008. 670. p.
Periodicals and other sources
1. American Psychological Association. Using American Psychological Association (APA) Format. (Updated to 5th Edition). Purdue University Online Writing Lab. 2010. Available: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_apa.html
2. Higher Education.The International Journal of Higher Education Research. Print ISSN: 0018-1560. Online ISSN: 1573-174X