Research Methodology

Paper Code: 
DPOL703
Credits: 
06
Contact Hours: 
90.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This paper is designed to provide students with the practical tools of doing social science research and the theoretical background for critiquing and designing research on social issues. It focuses on developing the skills necessary to interpret, critique, and conduct social science research. This paper will help the students to understand the basic concept of research and its methodologies. To Use theory and previous research to create research questions and hypothesis and to identify and analyze the appropriate method and variables needed for research questions

Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcomes

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course Title

25DPOL 703

Research Methodology

(Theory)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

CO73: Understand the meaning, nature, objectives, and significance of social science research, exploring different types of research and the research process

CO74:  Learn how to select, formulate, and define a research problem, along with understanding research design, hypothesis development, and different research methodologies

CO75 Examine the meaning, steps, characteristics, and types of sampling techniques, differentiating between probability and non-probability sampling methods.

CO76: Explore various sources of data collection, including primary and secondary data, and analyze different data collection methods such as interviews, observations, questionnaires, schedules, and case studies

CO77: Develop skills in data classification, tabulation, and descriptive analysis, along with learning research ethics, bibliography management, report writing, and the role of computers in research.

CO78: contribute effectively in Course specific interaction

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, Power Point Presentation

 

Learning activities for the students:

Self-learning assignments, Seminar presentation.

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects

 

18.00
Unit I: 
Social Science Research

                                                                                                          

Meaning, nature, objectives, importance and problems; Research process; Types of Research- Historical, Descriptive, Exploratory and Scientific

18.00
Unit II: 
Research problems

      Selection and formulation, defining a research problem; Research design- meaning, features, types and construction of research design. Concept and Hypothesis

18.00
Unit III: 
Sampling Design

                                                                                          

 Meaning, Steps, Characteristics, Types- Probability and Non-Probability sampling techniques

18.00
Unit IV: 
Sources of data

                                                                                                 primary, secondary; Data collection- Interview, Observations, Questionnaire, Schedules, case studies 

18.00
Unit V: 
Data analysis

                                                                                                                    Classification, Tabulation, Descriptive analysis, Bibliography; Report Writing, The use of computers in Research, Ethics in Research

Essential Readings: 
  • Kothari, C. R. (2019). Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques.Banglore: Wiley Eastern
  • Acharya, R. and Bhattacharya, N., (2019)Research Methodology for Social Sciences, India, Routledge
  • Krishnaswami, O.R., (2016),Methodology of Research in Social Sciences,New Delhi, Himalaya Publishing
  • Thamilarasan, M.,(2015), Research Methodology for Social Sciences, Tamilnadu, Ingram short title
  • Imam, E.,(2015), Basics Of Research Methodology, New Delhi,New India Publishing
  • Vijay, U., (2010), Research Methodology, New Delhi, S.Chand
  • Guthrie, G., (2010), Basic Research Methods : An Entry To Social Science Research, New Delhi, Sage Publication
References: 

Ø  Thakur,D.,(2009), Research Methodology in Social Sciences, New Delhi, Deep and Deep

Ø  Prasad, A., (2008), Social Research Methodologies in Social Sciences, Ranchi, Xavier Institute of Social Sciences

Ø  Ahuja, R. (2006). Research Methods. Jaipur, Rawat Publications

Ø  Blake, N. (1973): Approaches to Social Enquiry, Cambridge, Policy Press

Ø  Bose, Pradip Kumar,(1995): Research Methodology, New Delhi: ICSSR

Ø  Bryman, Alan, (1988) Quality and Quantity in Social Research, London, Unwin

Ø  Shipman Martin, (1988) The Limitations of Social Research, London, Longman.

Ø  Young, P. V., (1988) Scientific Social Surveys and Research, New Delhi, Prentice Hall

Ø  Kurtz, Norman R, (1983) Introduction to Social Statistics, Paris: MC Graw Hill

Ø  Levin Jack, (1983) Elementary Statistics in Social Research, New York: Harper & Row Publishers.

May, Tim, (1977) Social Research: Issues, Methods and Process, Buckingham, Open University Press

Academic Year: 
2025-26
  • Printer-friendly version
  • PDF version