Research on people- methodological reefs 2600-RMBL-OG

Knowledge about people is a fundamental tool in the work of many professionals. Uncritical use of the results of “scientific research” can lead to serious distortions.
The aim of the course is to discuss the REEFS (threats) whose lack of awareness contributes to the fact that the development of the social sciences is not as dynamic as the technological leap we experience at every step.
After the course, we should remember that: (1) People can be randomly selected, but they cannot be forced to let themselves be “measured”; (2) People do not react to stimuli (e.g., instructions) but to their own interpretation of those stimuli; (3)The variability of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses to the same stimulus is much greater among people than the variability of biological responses. The body’s reaction to a calming injection is easy to predict. However, the reaction to a calming message may result in assimilation (the participant becomes calmer) or contrast (the participant becomes irritated).
Among the topics discussed will be a description of the limitations of human evaluators and a researcher’s vademecum—essential knowledge for anyone who wants to design a questionnaire and analyze its results.

Type of course

general courses

Mode

Remote learning

Course coordinators

Grażyna Wieczorkowska-Wierzbińska

Learning outcomes

The following learning outcomes will be assessed:
(1) KNOWLEDGE regarding mastery of the concepts listed in the course description;
(2) SKILLS related to the ability to work in a group;
(3) ATTITUDES concerning the importance of reflexivity and the ability to critically analyze information.

Assessment criteria

During the course, students will complete both group and individual tasks (tests, crosswords).

The final grade is based on the assessment of individual and group assignments documented on the KAMPUS platform.

The final grade depends on the percentage of points possible to obtain during and after classes, calculated as follows:
• 50% or less FAIL
• <51-60%> grade „3”
• <61-70%> grade „3.5”
• <71-80%>grade „4”
• <81-90%>grade „4.5”
• <91-100%>grade „5”

Bibliography

Materials on e-learning platform + ebook: Wieczorkowska, G. (2025). Rafy metodologiczne w naukach o zarządzaniu ludźmi. WUW.

Notes

Term 2025L:

On Wednesdays 5:30 pm ( first meeting on 25.02.2026)

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2600-RMBL-OG in USOSweb