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
The objectives of this course are to:
1. Understand the basic concept of research and its methodologies
2. Identify, explain, and apply the basic concepts of research, such as variables, sampling, reliability, and validity
3. Identify the overall process of designing a research study from its inception to its report.
Course Objectives (CO)
Course |
Learning outcomes (at course level) |
Learning and teaching strategies |
Assessment Strategies |
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Paper Code |
Paper Title |
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POL 225 |
Research Methodology |
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: CO42: Understand the use of theory and previous research to create research questions and hypothesis and to identify and analyze the appropriate method and variables needed for research questions. CO43: Identify the overall process of designing a research study from its inception to its report. CO44: Understand some basic concept of research and its problems CO45: Demonstrate knowledge about selecting appropriate research technique to solve the research problem. |
Approach in teaching: Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, Power Point Presentation
Learning activities for the students: Self-learning assignments, Effective questions, Seminar presentation, Giving tasks. |
Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects |
Social Science Research- Meaning, nature, objectives, importance and problems; Research process; Types of Research- Historical, Descriptive, Exploratory and Scientific
Research problems- Selection and formulation, defining a research problem; Research design- meaning, features, types and construction of research design. Concept and Hypothesis
Sampling Design- Meaning, Steps, Characteristics, Types- Probability and Non Probability sampling techniques
Sources of data – primary, secondary; Data collection- Interview, Observations, Questionnaire, Schedules
Data analysis- Classification, Tabulation, Descriptive analysis, Bibliography; Report Writing, The use of computers in Research, Ethics in Research