Research Methodology
- Social Sciences
- 300 level
- 2 credit units
- 101 pages
- 3 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 192 hours
- Maths
- Intermediate
- Content
- Theoretical, practical, case study, problem solving, research
- Practical work
- Yes
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of DES311, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
DES311 · MODULE 2: FIELD WORK AND DATA COLLECTION
Traditional knowledge, according to Abu and Nwakanma (2018), refers to those established beliefs about how reality works. In traditional method of inquiry, truth is considered true because it is common knowledge that everyone ‘already’ believes in. Traditional knowledge is largely based on culture and superstitions, which can also be fallacious or delusional.
What you should be able to do
- Understand key research concepts and terminologies.
- Identify and apply different research methodologies.
- Design and implement data collection strategies.
- Analyze and interpret research data.
- Write effective research reports and proposals.
- Apply ethical principles in research.
What it prepares you for
- Research Analyst
- Social Scientist
- Policy Analyst
- Development Consultant
- Data Analyst
- Government
- Non-profit Organizations
- Research Institutions
- Consulting Firms
- International Development Agencies
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3: Data processing and Data analysis
Unit 3: Statistical Applications for data analysis
Requires strong understanding of statistical concepts and software applications.
- Module 2: Field work and Data collection
Unit 2: Instrument Design and Data collection techniques
Designing effective instruments and applying appropriate techniques require practical experience and critical thinking.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Research in Social Sciences
Unit 1: The Meaning and Types of research · 2 hours
Understand the definition of research and its importance.. Differentiate research from other ways of knowing.. Explore the various types of research designs..
- Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Research in Social Sciences
Unit 2: Quantitative Research: designs and methods · 2 hours
Examine the characteristics of quantitative research.. Study different quantitative research designs.. Apply quantitative methods to social science problems..
- Week 3Module 1: Introduction to Research in Social Sciences
Unit 3: Qualitative Research: designs and methods · 2 hours
Explore the principles of qualitative research.. Analyze qualitative research designs.. Apply qualitative methods to social science problems..
- Week 4Module 1: Introduction to Research in Social Sciences
Unit 4: Appraisal of Mixed Methods in Research · 2 hours
Understand the concept of mixed methods research.. Appraise the strengths and weaknesses of mixed methods.. Apply mixed methods to social science research..
- Week 5Module 2: Field work and Data collection
Unit 1: Types and sources of Data · 2 hours
Identify different types of data.. Explore various sources of data.. Understand the importance of data in social research..
- Week 6Module 2: Field work and Data collection
Unit 2: Instrument Design and Data collection techniques · 2 hours
Learn how to design research instruments.. Explore different data collection techniques.. Understand the principles of data collection..
- Week 7Module 2: Field work and Data collection
Unit 3: Population, Sample and sampling techniques · 2 hours
Understand the concepts of population and sample.. Explore different sampling techniques.. Apply sampling techniques to social research..
- Week 8Module 2: Field work and Data collection
Unit 4: Brief description of Big Data · 2 hours
Understand the concept of Big Data.. Explore the characteristics of Big Data.. Discuss the implications of Big Data for social research..
- Week 9Module 3: Data processing and Data analysis
Unit 1: Data processing in Social Research · 2 hours
Understand the process of data processing.. Explore different techniques for data processing.. Apply data processing techniques to social research..
- Week 10Module 3: Data processing and Data analysis
Unit 2: Hypothesis Testing and Methods of Data analysis · 2 hours
Understand the concept of hypothesis testing.. Explore different methods of data analysis.. Apply data analysis methods to social research..
- Week 11Module 3: Data processing and Data analysis
Unit 3: Statistical Applications for data analysis · 2 hours
Learn statistical applications for data analysis.. Apply statistical tools to social research problems.. Interpret statistical results..
- Week 12Module 3: Data processing and Data analysis
Unit 4: Presentation of Findings · 2 hours
Understand the importance of presenting research findings.. Explore different methods of presenting research findings.. Apply presentation techniques to social research..
- Week 13Module 4: Research reports and Proposal writing
Unit 1: Formats for Writing Research Reports and Proposals · 2 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..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and their solutions to reinforce understanding of key concepts.
- Create concept maps linking Units in Module 1 to understand the different research methodologies.
- Practice applying statistical tools from Units in Module 3 using sample datasets to enhance analytical skills.
- Focus on ethical considerations from Unit 3 in Module 4 to address potential ethical dilemmas in research scenarios.
- Allocate specific time slots for each module, prioritizing those with higher weightage in the final examination.
- Form study groups to discuss complex topics and share insights on different units.
Questions students ask about this course
What is DES311 about?
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.
How many units does DES311 have?
DES311, Research Methodology, has 3 units across 3 modules, over 101 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is DES311?
DES311 carries 2 credit units, at 300 level in Social Sciences.
Is DES311 hard?
DES311 is rated intermediate level, with intermediate mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, practical, case study, problem solving and research work, and it has a practical component.
How long does DES311 take to study?
About 192 hours of study, spread across its 3 units.
How is DES311 assessed?
DES311 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with DES311?
Research Analyst, Social Scientist, Policy Analyst, Development Consultant and Data Analyst.