Research Methods

Description: The discipline considers the theory of scientific research methodology in terms of setting the topic of scientific research, its purpose, subject and tasks, putting forward hypotheses for solving problems and methods for their verification, preparing and conducting experiments, processing the results of experimental research, and also studies methods of analysis and construction of theories.

Amount of credits: 5

Пререквизиты:

• Scientific and Technical Problems in Heat-And-Power Engineering and Heat Technology

Course Workload:

Component: University component

Cycle: Base disciplines

Goal

• mastery of competencies in the field of scientific research methodology necessary to complete the dissertation work.

Objective

• study methods of analysis and theory construction; - acquire skills in setting the topic of scientific research, its purpose, subject and objectives; - be able to put forward hypotheses for solutions, assigned tasks and apply methods for testing them; - study the theory of conducting experiments and processing their results.

Learning outcome: knowledge and understanding

• Know the principles of scientific research methodology, methods of analysis and theory construction.

Learning outcome: applying knowledge and understanding

• Apply knowledge and understanding and the ability to solve problems in new and unfamiliar ways in broader (multidisciplinary) contexts related to the field of study.

Learning outcome: formation of judgments

• Ability to integrate knowledge, cope with complex issues and formulate judgments based on current aspects of scientific and technological development, taking into account the social and ethical responsibilities associated with the use of one's knowledge and judgment.

Learning outcome: communicative abilities

• Be able to articulate, discuss and explain current issues in research methodology.

Learning outcome: learning skills or learning abilities

• Have the skills in research methodology necessary to continue your studies with a high degree of autonomy.

Teaching methods

In the conditions of credit-based learning technology, classes should be conducted mainly in active and creative forms. Among the effective pedagogical methods and technologies that contribute to the involvement of students in the search and management of knowledge, the acquisition of experience in independent problem solving should be highlighted: - technology of problem- and project-oriented learning; - technology of educational and research activities; - communicative technologies (discussion, press conference, brainstorming, educational debates and other active forms and methods); - case method (situation analysis); - game technologies, in which students participate in business, role-playing, simulation games; - information and communication (including distance education) technologies.

Assessment of the student's knowledge

Teacher oversees various tasks related to ongoing assessment and determines students' current performance twice during each academic period. Ratings 1 and 2 are formulated based on the outcomes of this ongoing assessment. The student's learning achievements are assessed using a 100-point scale, and the final grades P1 and P2 are calculated as the average of their ongoing performance evaluations. The teacher evaluates the student's work throughout the academic period in alignment with the assignment submission schedule for the discipline. The assessment system may incorporate a mix of written and oral, group and individual formats.

The evaluating policy of learning outcomes by work type

Evaluation form

The student's final grade in the course is calculated on a 100 point grading scale, it includes:

• 40% of the examination result;
• 60% of current control result.

The final grade is calculated by the formula:

 

Where Midterm 1, Midterm 2are digital equivalents of the grades of Midterm 1 and 2;

E is a digital equivalent of the exam grade.

Final alphabetical grade and its equivalent in points:

The letter grading system for students' academic achievements, corresponding to the numerical equivalent on a four-point scale:

Topics of lectures

• An introduction to the subject of research methods
• Research problem
• Experimentation in scientific enquiry
• Measurement in scientific enquiry
• Hypothesis and inductive research methods
• Methods for testing and confirming hypotheses
• Laws and their role in scientific enquiry
• Methods of analysing and constructing theories
• The mathematisation of theoretical knowledge

Key reading

• 1. Ануфриев, А. Ф. Научное исследование: Учеб. пособие /А. Ф. Ануфриев, А. Н. Асаул, Г. А. Кускова. — М.: Лира, 1999. 2. Бут, У. К. Исследование: Шестнадцать уроков для начинающих авторов. / У. К. Бут, Г. Д. Коломб, Д. М. Уильямс. — М.: Флинта, Наука, 2007. 3. Гоберман, В. А. Технология научных исследований — методы, модели, оценки: Учеб. пособие. — 2-е изд. стереотип / В. А. Гоберман, А. А. Гоберман. — М.: МГУЛ, 2003. 4. Крутов, В. И. Основы научных исследований / В. И. Крутов, И. М. Грушко, В. В. Попов. — М.: Высшая школа, 1980. 5. Степин, В. С. Методы научного познания / В. С. Степин, А. Н. Елсупов. — М.: Высшая школа, 2001.

Further reading

• 6. Ильин, В. В. Критерии научности знания / В. В. Ильин. — М.: Высшая школа, 1989. 7. Аконов, Б. А. Основы научных исследований: Учеб. пособие /Б. А. Аконов, М. А. Карамзин. — Алма-Ата: Мектеп, 1989. 8. Логика научного исследования / Под ред. П. В. Копнина и М. В. Попова. — М.: Наука, 1965. 9. Мирский, Э. М. Междисциплинарные исследования и дисциплинарная организация науки / Э. М. Мирский. — М.: Наука, 1980.