Research Methods
- Arts
- 700 level
- 2 credit units
- 136 pages
- 15 units
This course introduces Post Graduate Diploma students of Christian Theology to research methods. It guides students on the rudiments of research, exposing them to basic and necessary issues in research methodology. It explains what research is, its importance in the academic world, and how to engage in successful research. The course aims to sharpen students' capacity for research in Christian Theology, equipping them with necessary skills and confidence.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 120 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, case study, research
- Practical work
- Yes
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CRS771, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CRS771 · UNIT 1: THE NATURE OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH
Characteristics of research as discussed above have far-reaching implications for a researche. The following constitute the basic qualities of a good researcher. Prospective researchers are expected to imbibe the qualities for success in their research activities.
What you should be able to do
- Undertake a successful research independently
- Identify suitable research types for specific topics
- Organize research effectively
- Understand and apply research ethics
- Collect and analyze data appropriately
What it prepares you for
- Theologian
- Religious Educator
- Researcher
- Academic
- Pastor
- Religious Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Research Institutes
- Non-profit Organizations
- Theological Seminaries
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: Understanding Research Processes
Unit 6: Methods in Theological Studies
Methods in Theological Studies requires understanding of diverse theological perspectives and historical contexts, demanding critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Module 3: Research Field and Research Ethics
Unit 2: Population Sampling
Population Sampling requires understanding of statistical concepts and ability to apply appropriate sampling techniques, demanding analytical and mathematical skills.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 30 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Understanding Research Processes
Unit 1: The Nature of Academic Research · 2 hours
Define research. Explain characteristics of research. Discuss qualities of a good researcher. Classify research types.
- Week 2Module 1: Understanding Research Processes
Unit 2: Research Process in Christian Theology · 2 hours
Explain the scientific nature of research in Christian Theology. List characteristics of research methods in Christian Theology. Discuss research process in Christian Theology. State the significance of research in Christian Theology.
- Week 3Module 1: Understanding Research Processes
Unit 3: Research Proposals · 2 hours
Define research proposal. State types of research proposal. Draft different types of research proposal. List questions to search for before writing a proposal for research grant.
- Week 4Module 1: Understanding Research Processes
Unit 4: Research Questions and Hypothesis · 2 hours
Understand the meaning of research questions. Know the meaning of hypothesis. Explain the functions of hypothesis in a research work.
- Week 5Module 1: Understanding Research Processes
Unit 5: Research Report · 2 hours
State the import of research report. List the important parts of a research report. Explain each of the important parts of a research report. Write a report using a research topic.
Unit 6: Methods in Theological Studies · 2 hours
Learn the methods in biblical studies and church history. Discuss the multidimensional nature of methods in theological research.
- Week 6Module 2: Research Data
Unit 1: Literature Review · 2 hours
Define literature review. Know different methods of reviewing literature. Understand the rudiments of a good literature review. Appreciate the importance of literature review. Know the various sources of literature review.
- Week 7Module 2: Research Data
Unit 2: The Citation Styles · 2 hours
Define citation. Explain why citation is very important. Distinguish between different types of citation. Identify items to cite in your research. Assimilate the rules guiding the different citation styles. Cite your sources very well.
- Week 8Module 2: Research Data
Unit 3: Internet Research · 2 hours
Understand the meaning of internet. Know the problems associated with researching on the internet. Know the type of material available for your research on the internet. Know the research options available on the internet and how to use them.
- Week 9Module 2: Research Data
Unit 4: The Use of Library in Research · 2 hours
Define library. List and explain the types of library. List and explain the usefulness of the library in research.
- Week 10Module 3: Research Field and Research Ethics
Unit 1: Methods of Data Collection · 2 hours
Define data collection. Know the various methods of data collection. Determine the method of data collection that is relevant to your specific research.
- Week 11Module 3: Research Field and Research Ethics
Unit 2: Population Sampling · 2 hours
Define population. Define sampling. Distinguish from sampling and census. Articulate the importance of sampling. Know the method of sampling technique that is suited to your study. Engage in a successful sampling of a population.
- Week 12Module 3: Research Field and Research Ethics
Unit 3: Case Study · 2 hours
Learn the meaning of case study. Know when a research is suited for the adoption of the case study method. Know the limitations of case study. Enumerate the advantages of case study.
Unit 4: Research Ethics · 2 hours
Know the meaning of ethics. Know the relationship between ethics and research. Know the historical circumstance that gave rise to researchers' concern with ethics. Know the major ethical issues that are of concern to researchers.
- Week 13Module 3: Research Field and Research Ethics
Unit 5: Plagiarism · 2 hours
Know the meaning of plagiarism. Identify the various types of plagiarism. Understand the consequences of plagiarism. Learn how to avoid plagiarism.
Preparing for the exam
- Create a study schedule allocating specific time for each unit
- Review key terms and concepts from each module
- Practice writing research proposals and reports
- Analyze case studies and identify ethical issues
- Familiarize yourself with different citation styles and their applications
Questions students ask about this course
What is CRS771 about?
This course introduces Post Graduate Diploma students of Christian Theology to research methods. It guides students on the rudiments of research, exposing them to basic and necessary issues in research methodology. It explains what research is, its importance in the academic world, and how to engage in successful research. The course aims to sharpen students' capacity for research in Christian Theology, equipping them with necessary skills and confidence.
How many units does CRS771 have?
CRS771, Research Methods, has 15 units across 3 modules, over 136 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CRS771?
CRS771 carries 2 credit units, at 700 level in Arts.
Is CRS771 hard?
CRS771 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, case study and research work, and it has a practical component.
How long does CRS771 take to study?
About 120 hours of study, spread across its 15 units.
How is CRS771 assessed?
CRS771 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with CRS771?
Theologian, Religious Educator, Researcher, Academic and Pastor.