Research Methods and Digital Literacy (LF_705)
About Study Course
Objective
The aim of the study course is to develop the understanding of students in a medical massage regarding the basic principles and methods of scientific research, as well as to improve digital literacy skills in searching, evaluating, processing and presenting information. Acquire a general view of library resources and promote and deepen skills in searching for medical and healthcare information in online databases and open access medical information resources. The course promotes students’ ability to use evidence-based information in professional activities, as well as to engage in research and projects in the field of health care and social welfare, and prepares students for the development of academic work, professional communication in the digital environment.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge necessary for successful completion of the study course:basic computer skills, including text editing, document storage, and file management;basic principles of internet usage, web search of information and use of electronic resources;the foundations of academic writing of the Latvian language in order to be able to formulate thoughts in a structured written form;basic understanding of the healthcare sector and the professional environment of therapeutic massage obtained from the programme introduction courses;key competences in the analysis and compilation of information.
Learning outcomes
1.As a result of the completion of the study course, students shall:
* understand the nature, principles and role of scientific research in healthcare and therapeutic massage practices;
* will be familiar with key stages of the research process (problem formulation, literature analysis, choice of methodology, data analysis and interpretation of results);
* understand the basic principles of quantitative and qualitative research methods;
* be familiar with the basic principles of academic writing and quoting, as well as the requirements of academic integrity;
* understand the types of digital information sources, their reliability assessment criteria and information search strategies in scientific databases;
* will be familiar with the capabilities of digital tools in data processing, information organization, and presentation.
1.As a result of the completion of the study course, students will be able to:
* formulate the problem, purpose and objectives of research;
* conduct targeted searches and analyses of scientific literature in digital databases;
* work independently with electronic resources, apply extended search skills to search for electronic information
* to assess the reliability and relevance of the sources of information for the purpose of research;
* structure and design academic work in accordance with the requirements of quotation and bibliographical references;
* use digital tools for information processing, data collection and visualisation;
* prepare and present the results of the study in the digital environment:
* implement evidence-based practices using research methodology and terminology;
* independently plan and implement a small-scale study;
* make informed decisions based on the results of the study;
* demonstrate critical thinking and analytical approach to dealing with professional problems.
1.As a result of the completion of the study course, students acquire competence:
* use research-based information in professional practice of therapeutic massage;
* critically evaluate scientific information and its applicability in healthcare;
* independently plan and implement simple research tasks in the context of professional activities;
* observe the principles of academic integrity and the norms of professional ethics in working with information;
* make effective use of digital technologies for professional communication, information management and knowledge development;
* to be able to make informed decisions based on the results of the study;
* demonstrate critical thinking and analytical approach to dealing with professional problems.
Study course planning
| Study programme | Study semester | Program level | Study course category | Lecturers | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Massage | 3 | First level | Required | Līga Ēriksone |
