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DES311Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Research Methodology

This course, Research Methodology, is designed to expose students to the fundamental principles, concepts, methods, and processes of research in the social sciences, including development studies. It covers topics such as research types and design, data collection methods, data analysis techniques, statistical tools, report writing, and ethical considerations. The course aims to enhance students' understanding of research in the social sciences and equip them with the skills to execute research projects and communicate findings effectively.

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192h
Study Time
13
Weeks
15h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
Research MethodologySocial SciencesData AnalysisResearch DesignReport Writing

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 Types

2

Research Design

3

Data Collection

4

Data Analysis

5

Statistical Tools

6

Report Writing

7

Research Ethics

8

Referencing Styles

Total Topics8 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 assessments

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

Research Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Social Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Development Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Data Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentNon-profit OrganizationsResearch InstitutionsConsulting FirmsInternational Development Agencies

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Research in Social Sciences

2h

Unit 1: The Meaning and Types of research

2 study hours
  • •Understand the definition of research and its importance.
  • •Differentiate research from other ways of knowing.
  • •Explore the various types of research designs.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to Research in Social Sciences

2h

Unit 2: Quantitative Research: designs and methods

2 study hours
  • •Examine the characteristics of quantitative research.
  • •Study different quantitative research designs.
  • •Apply quantitative methods to social science problems.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction to Research in Social Sciences

2h

Unit 3: Qualitative Research: designs and methods

2 study hours
  • •Explore the principles of qualitative research.
  • •Analyze qualitative research designs.
  • •Apply qualitative methods to social science problems.
Week
4

Module 1: Introduction to Research in Social Sciences

2h

Unit 4: Appraisal of Mixed Methods in Research

2 study hours
  • •Understand the concept of mixed methods research.
  • •Appraise the strengths and weaknesses of mixed methods.
  • •Apply mixed methods to social science research.
Week
5

Module 2: Field work and Data collection

2h

Unit 1: Types and sources of Data

2 study hours
  • •Identify different types of data.
  • •Explore various sources of data.
  • •Understand the importance of data in social research.
Week
6

Module 2: Field work and Data collection

2h

Unit 2: Instrument Design and Data collection techniques

2 study hours
  • •Learn how to design research instruments.
  • •Explore different data collection techniques.
  • •Understand the principles of data collection.
Week
7

Module 2: Field work and Data collection

2h

Unit 3: Population, Sample and sampling techniques

2 study hours
  • •Understand the concepts of population and sample.
  • •Explore different sampling techniques.
  • •Apply sampling techniques to social research.
Week
8

Module 2: Field work and Data collection

2h

Unit 4: Brief description of Big Data

2 study hours
  • •Understand the concept of Big Data.
  • •Explore the characteristics of Big Data.
  • •Discuss the implications of Big Data for social research.
Week
9

Module 3: Data processing and Data analysis

2h

Unit 1: Data processing in Social Research

2 study hours
  • •Understand the process of data processing.
  • •Explore different techniques for data processing.
  • •Apply data processing techniques to social research.
Week
10

Module 3: Data processing and Data analysis

2h

Unit 2: Hypothesis Testing and Methods of Data analysis

2 study hours
  • •Understand the concept of hypothesis testing.
  • •Explore different methods of data analysis.
  • •Apply data analysis methods to social research.
Week
11

Module 3: Data processing and Data analysis

2h

Unit 3: Statistical Applications for data analysis

2 study hours
  • •Learn statistical applications for data analysis.
  • •Apply statistical tools to social research problems.
  • •Interpret statistical results.
Week
12

Module 3: Data processing and Data analysis

2h

Unit 4: Presentation of Findings

2 study hours
  • •Understand the importance of presenting research findings.
  • •Explore different methods of presenting research findings.
  • •Apply presentation techniques to social research.
Week
13

Module 4: Research reports and Proposal writing

2h

Unit 1: Formats for Writing Research Reports and Proposals

2 study hours
  • •Understand the formats for writing research reports and proposals.
  • •Apply the formats to social research reports and proposals.
  • •Explore the key components of research reports and proposals.

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

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and their solutions to reinforce understanding of key concepts.

2

Create concept maps linking Units in Module 1 to understand the different research methodologies.

3

Practice applying statistical tools from Units in Module 3 using sample datasets to enhance analytical skills.

4

Focus on ethical considerations from Unit 3 in Module 4 to address potential ethical dilemmas in research scenarios.

5

Allocate specific time slots for each module, prioritizing those with higher weightage in the final examination.

6

Form study groups to discuss complex topics and share insights on different units.

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