Research Methods
Course code
MGA674
old course code
Course title in Estonian
Uurimismeetodid
Course title in English
Research Methods
ECTS credits
6.0
Assessment form
Examination
lecturer of 2025/2026 Spring semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
lecturer of 2026/2027 Autumn semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
Course aims
The aim of the course is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to critically design and conduct research in interaction design. Students will learn to analyze and solve complex design problems using appropriate research methods, apply evidence-based reasoning under conditions of uncertainty, and communicate research findings and design proposals effectively to diverse audiences. The course also fosters professional integrity, self-directed learning, and an awareness of emerging trends and future developments in the field.
Brief description of the course
The course introduces the principles and practices of research design in interaction design, with emphasis on methodological rigor, ethical awareness, and evidence-based reasoning. Topics include:
- foundations of research: philosophical worldviews, research paradigms, and preliminary considerations for selecting qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods designs.
- research design elements: purpose statements, research questions, and hypotheses; the role of theory in research; strategies for integrating ethical considerations.
- review of literature: methods for identifying, analysing, and synthesising scholarly sources to frame research problems.
- qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods: data collection strategies, analysis techniques, and procedures for ensuring validity, reliability, and trustworthiness.
- writing and communication: developing structured introductions, proposals, and reports to communicate research findings clearly and persuasively.
- methodological trends in interaction design: critical reflection on current and emerging approaches, positioning research within academic and professional debates.
- foundations of research: philosophical worldviews, research paradigms, and preliminary considerations for selecting qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods designs.
- research design elements: purpose statements, research questions, and hypotheses; the role of theory in research; strategies for integrating ethical considerations.
- review of literature: methods for identifying, analysing, and synthesising scholarly sources to frame research problems.
- qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods: data collection strategies, analysis techniques, and procedures for ensuring validity, reliability, and trustworthiness.
- writing and communication: developing structured introductions, proposals, and reports to communicate research findings clearly and persuasively.
- methodological trends in interaction design: critical reflection on current and emerging approaches, positioning research within academic and professional debates.
Learning outcomes in the course
Upon completing the course the student:
- designs a structured research proposal for qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods studies, incorporating ethical considerations and evidence-based reasoning;
- selects and applies appropriate research methods to collect, analyse, and interpret data in relation to specific design questions;
- reviews and synthesises academic literature to define research problems and situate them within theoretical and practical contexts;
- analyses and evaluates methodological trends in interaction design research to position their work within broader academic and industry debates.
- designs a structured research proposal for qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods studies, incorporating ethical considerations and evidence-based reasoning;
- selects and applies appropriate research methods to collect, analyse, and interpret data in relation to specific design questions;
- reviews and synthesises academic literature to define research problems and situate them within theoretical and practical contexts;
- analyses and evaluates methodological trends in interaction design research to position their work within broader academic and industry debates.
Teacher
Sonia Andreou
Study programmes containing that course