Research Methodology
- Social Sciences
- 700 level
- 3 credit units
- 173 pages
- 12 units
This course introduces postgraduate students to research methodology in economics. It covers the philosophy of economic research, identification of researchable problems, and hypothesis development. Students will learn data collection methods, research result presentation, and techniques for establishing relationships between economic variables. The course also explores model building, multivariate analysis, causality tests, and Chi-square tests. A seminar paper is required to enhance practical application of research methods.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 156 hours
- Maths
- Intermediate
- Content
- Theoretical, practical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Basic knowledge of economic theories
- Basic statistics and social sciences analytical techniques
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ECO715, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ECO715 · MODULE ONE: INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH AND RESEARCH METHODS
Research must have an aim, reason or definite purpose. For instance, a business firm may commission a research with the aim of establishing level of acceptance of its products in the market which will translate into more turnover and increased profitability. The research thus has a purposive focus.
What you should be able to do
- Understand the principles of research methodology in economics.
- Identify and formulate researchable problems.
- Apply appropriate data collection methods.
- Analyze data using bivariate and multivariate techniques.
- Construct and interpret economic models.
- Write a well-structured research report.
What it prepares you for
- Economist
- Research Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Policy Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
- Economics
- Finance
- Government
- Consulting
- Market Research
- Statistical software packages (e.g., SPSS, EViews)
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module Three: Basics of Model Building in Economics
Unit 4: Model Building in Economics
Requires understanding of complex mathematical relationships and assumptions.
- Module Four: Quantitative Data Analysis
Unit 2: Multivariate Analysis
Involves advanced statistical techniques and interpretation of complex results.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 52 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module One: Introduction to Research and Research Methods
Unit 1: Introduction to Research · 4 hours
Read the introduction to research.. Understand the difference between research methods and methodology.. Identify the characteristics of scientific research..
- Week 2Module One: Introduction to Research and Research Methods
Unit 2: Philosophical and Conceptual Foundations of Research · 4 hours
Explore philosophical foundations of research.. Understand the concepts of facts, variables, and hypothesis.. Learn the research process..
- Week 3Module Two: Data: Types and Collection Methods
Unit 1: Data: Types and manipulation · 4 hours
Identify different types of data.. Learn data manipulation techniques.. Practice transforming data for analysis..
- Week 4Module Two: Data: Types and Collection Methods
Unit 2: Methods of Collecting Research Data · 4 hours
Explore methods of collecting primary data.. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of secondary data.. Learn about observation and interview methods..
- Week 5Module Three: Basics of Model Building in Economics
Unit 1: Variable Types · 4 hours
Identify different types of variables.. Understand the significance of dependent and independent variables.. Learn how to manipulate variables..
- Week 6Module Three: Basics of Model Building in Economics
Unit 2: Measurement of Variables · 4 hours
Understand the scales of measuring variables.. Learn about errors in measurement.. Distinguish between reliability and validity..
- Week 7Module Three: Basics of Model Building in Economics
Unit 3: Sampling · 4 hours
Identify the steps in sampling design.. Distinguish between probability and non-probability sampling.. Learn about different sampling techniques..
- Week 8Module Three: Basics of Model Building in Economics
Unit 4: Model Building in Economics · 4 hours
Explore the types of models in economics.. Understand the reasons for modeling.. Learn the elements of model building..
- Week 9Module Four: Quantitative Data Analysis
Unit 1: Bivariate Analysis · 4 hours
Learn about correlation and scatter graphs.. Understand cross tabulation and non-parametric tests.. Explore difference in means..
- Week 10Module Four: Quantitative Data Analysis
Unit 2: Multivariate Analysis · 4 hours
Understand multiple regression.. Learn about discriminant analysis.. Explore multivariate analysis of variance..
- Week 11Module Five: Research Organisation and Reporting
Unit 1: Manuscript Structure and Contents · 4 hours
Learn about manuscript structure.. Understand the contents of a research report.. Explore the elements of a title and abstract..
- Week 12Module Five: Research Organisation and Reporting
Unit 2: Basics of Citing Sources · 4 hours
Understand in-text citation.. Learn about reference lists.. Explore how to cite different sources..
- Week 13Module Five: Research Organisation and Reporting
Revision · 4 hours
Review all modules and units.. Work on assignments.. Prepare for final examination..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all study units and referenced materials thoroughly.
- Practice solving quantitative problems from the units on bivariate and multivariate analysis.
- Focus on understanding the assumptions and limitations of different research methods.
- Create summaries of key concepts and formulas for quick reference.
- Practice writing concise and well-supported answers to essay questions.
- Review previous assignments and tutor-marked assessments to identify areas for improvement.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ECO715 about?
This course introduces postgraduate students to research methodology in economics. It covers the philosophy of economic research, identification of researchable problems, and hypothesis development. Students will learn data collection methods, research result presentation, and techniques for establishing relationships between economic variables. The course also explores model building, multivariate analysis, causality tests, and Chi-square tests. A seminar paper is required to enhance practical application of research methods.
How many units does ECO715 have?
ECO715, Research Methodology, has 12 units across 5 modules, over 173 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ECO715?
ECO715 carries 3 credit units, at 700 level in Social Sciences.
Is ECO715 hard?
ECO715 is rated intermediate level, with intermediate mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, practical and case study work.
How long does ECO715 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 12 units.
How is ECO715 assessed?
ECO715 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What do I need before starting ECO715?
Basic knowledge of economic theories Basic statistics and social sciences analytical techniques
What can I do with ECO715?
Economist, Research Analyst, Data Analyst, Policy Analyst and Market Research Analyst.