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AEM501Agricultural Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Statistics And Research Methods In Extension

This course provides an understanding of research and statistical methods used to explain and draw inferences on research findings. It introduces research problems, hypothesis development, research design, and questionnaire preparation for data collection. Students will learn to use statistical tools for data analysis and present findings in narrative, tabular, and graphical forms. The course is useful for academic purposes and for administrators and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
Research MethodsStatisticsExtensionHypothesisData Analysis

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📊
Math Level
Moderate Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Research Problems

2

Hypothesis Development

3

Research Design

4

Questionnaire Design

5

Data Collection

6

Statistical Analysis

7

Report Writing

Total Topics7 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Agricultural Extension Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Assistant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Data Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Project Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureRural DevelopmentGovernment AgenciesResearch InstitutionsNon-profit Organizations

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Research Problems and Statement of Hypothesis

2h

Unit 1: Research: Meaning, Importance and Characteristics

2 study hours
  • Define research, explain its importance, and identify its characteristics.
  • Discuss the role of research in development.
  • Differentiate between various types of research.
  • Analyze data needed in social research.
Week
2

Module 1: Research Problems and Statement of Hypothesis

2h

Unit 2: Selection and Formulation of a Research Problem

2 study hours
  • Define a research problem and its components.
  • Identify factors that determine the choice of a research problem.
  • Describe sources of research problems.
  • Formulate and evaluate a research problem based on given criteria.
Week
3

Module 1: Research Problems and Statement of Hypothesis

2h

Unit 3: Developing Hypothesis, Objectives and Identification of Variables

2 study hours
  • Develop a hypothesis for a given research problem.
  • List criteria for a good hypothesis.
  • Describe hypothesis testing and levels of significance.
  • Identify types of errors in research.
  • Distinguish between different types of variables.
Week
4

Module 2: Research Design, Questionnaire Design and Data Collection

2h

Unit 1: Research Design

2 study hours
  • Define research design and explain its purpose.
  • Explain the different types of research designs (exploratory, descriptive, causal).
  • Differentiate between experimental and quasi-experimental designs.
  • Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each design type.
Week
5

Module 2: Research Design, Questionnaire Design and Data Collection

2h

Unit 2: Questionnaire Design

2 study hours
  • Develop a questionnaire for a social survey.
  • Structure a questionnaire effectively, including question types and order.
  • Determine the steps involved in pre-testing a questionnaire.
  • Describe the process of administering a questionnaire to respondents.
Week
6

Module 2: Research Design, Questionnaire Design and Data Collection

2h

Unit 3: Measurement and Data Collection Methods

2 study hours
  • Identify different data elicitation methods.
  • Explain the nature of data (qualitative vs. quantitative).
  • Describe various data collection methods, including their strengths and weaknesses.
  • Distinguish between primary and secondary data sources.
Week
7

Module 3: Statistical Theory and Different Statistical Methods for Handling Data

3h

Unit 1: Sampling and Statistical Tools

3 study hours
  • Explain the importance of sampling in research.
  • Define key terms: population, sample, statistic, parameter, sampling frame.
  • Describe different probability sampling methods (simple random, stratified random, cluster sampling).
  • Discuss non-probability sampling methods (quota, purposive, systematic, double sampling).
Week
8

Module 3: Statistical Theory and Different Statistical Methods for Handling Data

3h

Unit 1: Sampling and Statistical Tools

3 study hours
  • Explain descriptive statistics and their purpose.
  • Describe measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode).
  • Discuss measures of dispersion (range, quartiles, mean deviation, variance, standard deviation).
  • Differentiate between parametric and non-parametric statistics.
Week
9

Module 3: Statistical Theory and Different Statistical Methods for Handling Data

3h

Unit 1: Sampling and Statistical Tools

3 study hours
  • Explain inferential statistics and their use in hypothesis testing.
  • Define the null hypothesis and its role in research.
  • Describe non-parametric statistics and their applications.
  • Apply statistical tools to analyze data and draw conclusions.
Week
10

Module 4: Presentation of Research Findings in Narrative, Tabular and Graphical Forms

2h

Unit 1: Data Presentation

2 study hours
  • Handle data for decision-making.
  • Present research findings in narrative, tabular, and graphical forms.
  • Calculate measures of central tendency and dispersion.
  • Interpret data presented in various formats.
Week
11

Module 4: Presentation of Research Findings in Narrative, Tabular and Graphical Forms

2h

Unit 2: Report Writing

2 study hours
  • Appraise methods of preparing a research report.
  • Identify the target audience (sponsor, administrator, academic community) and tailor the report accordingly.
  • Provide a general framework for preparing a research report.
  • Understand the components of a comprehensive research report.
Week
12

Module 4: Presentation of Research Findings in Narrative, Tabular and Graphical Forms

4h

Final Revision and TMA Preparation

4 study hours
  • Review all modules and units.
  • Focus on key concepts and definitions.
  • Practice data analysis techniques.
  • Prepare for tutor-marked assignments.
Week
13

Module 4: Presentation of Research Findings in Narrative, Tabular and Graphical Forms

4h

Final Revision and Exam Preparation

4 study hours
  • Complete all tutor-marked assignments.
  • Review course materials and notes.
  • Practice exam questions.
  • Prepare for the final examination.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking Module 1-2 research design elements

2

Practice questionnaire design exercises from Unit 2 weekly

3

Review statistical formulas and applications from Module 3

4

Analyze sample research reports, focusing on data presentation techniques (Module 4)

5

Practice interpreting statistical results from Unit 1 exercises

6

Allocate specific study hours for each module weekly

7

Form a study group to discuss challenging concepts

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