Data Collection Methodology
- Sciences
- 200 level
- 2 credit units
- 127 pages
- 7 units
This course introduces data collection methodologies relevant to social science research. It covers various research methods, including sampling techniques, study design, and ethical considerations. Students will learn how to conduct literature reviews, utilize library resources, and formulate effective research questions. The course also emphasizes the importance of ethical research practices and the principles of right to know and protection. The course equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and execute research projects.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 40 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of DAM205, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
DAM205 · UNIT 1: Concept of Research
Research is conducted for a reason, primarily, “finding out” .NO matter what you want to find out, you need to plan. First, specify as clearly as possible what is it you want to find out and secondly, determine the best way to do it. In this unit, we shall examine the three purposes of research.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the concept of social research and its uses
- Describe different sources of knowledge and their applications
- Apply sampling designs in research studies
- Design research studies and measurement instruments
- Conduct literature reviews and utilize library resources effectively
- Understand and apply ethical principles in research
What it prepares you for
- Research Assistant
- Data Analyst
- Survey Researcher
- Market Research Analyst
- Social Science Researcher
- Education
- Social Sciences
- Market Research
- Government
- Non-profit Organizations
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Sampling and Measurement
Unit 2: Sampling Design
Understanding different sampling designs (probability and non-probability) requires careful attention to detail and application of statistical concepts.
- Module 2: Sampling and Measurement
Unit 3: Study Design and Measurement
Grasping the nuances of construct validity and its application in research instrument design demands a thorough understanding of theoretical frameworks.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 32 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Purposes/Uses of Research
Unit 1: Concept of Research · 2 hours
Define research, understand the research process, and identify the purposes of research (exploration, description, explanation)..
- Week 2Module 1: Purposes/Uses of Research
Unit 2: Sources of Knowledge · 2 hours
Explain the various sources of knowledge (tradition, authority, intuition, and scientific method). Differentiate between primary and secondary sources of data..
- Week 3Module 2: Sampling and Measurement
Unit 1: Basic Terminologies in Research · 2 hours
Define basic terminologies in research, including element, population, stratum, variables, and data. Understand sampling terminologies and operational definitions..
- Week 4Module 2: Sampling and Measurement
Unit 2: Sampling Design · 2 hours
Explain the reasons for sampling and the characteristics of a good sample. Understand probability and non-probability sampling techniques..
- Week 5Module 2: Sampling and Measurement
Unit 3: Study Design and Measurement · 2 hours
Define study design and measurement. Understand validity and reliability in research instruments..
- Week 6Module 3: Literature Review, Library Resources and Ethics
Unit 1: Literature Review and Library Resources · 2 hours
Define literature review and understand its purpose, need, and benefits. Learn about research questions and sources of research topics..
- Week 7Module 3: Literature Review, Library Resources and Ethics
Unit 1: Literature Review and Library Resources · 2 hours
Continue studying literature review and library resources..
- Week 8Module 3: Literature Review, Library Resources and Ethics
Unit 2: Ethics of Research · 2 hours
Define ethics of research and understand the importance of adhering to ethical norms. Learn about ethical principles of research..
- Week 9Module 3: Literature Review, Library Resources and Ethics
Unit 2: Ethics of Research · 2 hours
Continue studying ethics of research..
- Week 10Module 1: Purposes/Uses of Research
Unit 1: Concept of Research · 2 hours
Review Module 1: Purposes/Uses of Research.
Unit 2: Sources of Knowledge · 2 hours
Review Module 1: Purposes/Uses of Research.
- Week 11Module 2: Sampling and Measurement
Unit 1: Basic Terminologies in Research · 2 hours
Review Module 2: Sampling and Measurement.
Unit 2: Sampling Design · 2 hours
Review Module 2: Sampling and Measurement.
- Week 12Module 2: Sampling and Measurement
Unit 3: Study Design and Measurement · 2 hours
Review Module 2: Sampling and Measurement.
- Week 13Module 3: Literature Review, Library Resources and Ethics
Unit 1: Literature Review and Library Resources · 2 hours
Review Module 3: Literature Review, Library Resources and Ethics.
Unit 2: Ethics of Research · 2 hours
Review Module 3: Literature Review, Library Resources and Ethics.
Preparing for the exam
- Review key definitions and concepts from Units 1-3 in Module 2 to ensure a strong understanding of sampling and measurement.
- Create concept maps linking different sampling techniques (Unit 2, Module 2) and their appropriate applications.
- Practice applying ethical principles (Unit 2, Module 3) to hypothetical research scenarios.
- Focus on understanding the different types of validity (Unit 3, Module 2) and how they apply to research instrument design.
- Review past TMAs and self-assessment exercises to identify areas needing further study.
Questions students ask about this course
What is DAM205 about?
This course introduces data collection methodologies relevant to social science research. It covers various research methods, including sampling techniques, study design, and ethical considerations. Students will learn how to conduct literature reviews, utilize library resources, and formulate effective research questions. The course also emphasizes the importance of ethical research practices and the principles of right to know and protection. The course equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and execute research projects.
How many units does DAM205 have?
DAM205, Data Collection Methodology, has 7 units across 3 modules, over 127 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is DAM205?
DAM205 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Sciences.
Is DAM205 hard?
DAM205 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does DAM205 take to study?
About 40 hours of study, spread across its 7 units.
How is DAM205 assessed?
DAM205 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with DAM205?
Research Assistant, Data Analyst, Survey Researcher, Market Research Analyst and Social Science Researcher.