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ENG311Arts3 Unitsintermediate

Research Methods

This course introduces students to research methods in language and literature. It covers the nature and functions of research, different approaches, and components of academic research. Students will learn how to select research topics, apply basic statistical tools, and properly reference sources. The course aims to equip students with the skills to conduct independent research projects, preparing them for their final year research projects.

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200h

Study Time

13

Weeks

15h

Per Week

basic

Math Level

Course Keywords

Research MethodsLinguistic ResearchLiterary ResearchAcademic ResearchReferencing

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

➕

Math Level

Basic Math

🔬

Learning Type

Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Nature of Research

2

Research Approaches

3

Research Components

4

Research Design

5

Statistical Tools

6

Literature Review

7

Referencing

Total Topics7 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 (2 methods)

Tutor Marked Assignments

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

Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Lecturer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Editor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Content Developer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Linguist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationPublishingResearch InstitutionsMediaGovernment

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: The Nature of Research in Language and Literature

3h

Unit 1: The Concept and Ecology of Research

3 study hours

•Understand the concept and definition of research.
•Explore the ecology of research, including observation, hypothesis formulation, and theory construction.
•Differentiate between inductive and deductive research processes.

Week

2

Module 1: The Nature of Research in Language and Literature

3h

Unit 2: Functions and Importance of linguistic and Literary Research

3 study hours

•Identify the functions of linguistic and literary research.
•Discuss the importance of research in community development and knowledge improvement.
•Examine the qualities of a good researcher, including objectivity, flexibility, and sincerity.

Week

3

Module 1: The Nature of Research in Language and Literature

3h

Unit 3: Approaches to Research in Language and Literary Studies

3 study hours

•Explore different approaches to research, including survey, historical research, and case studies.
•Understand the application of experimental and ex-post facto research methods.
•Examine the steps involved in conducting historical research.

Week

4

Module 2: Sources of Research Topics and Nature of Research Problems

3h

Unit 1: Sources of Research Topics

3 study hours

•Identify primary sources of research topics, including libraries and research centers.
•Explore secondary sources, such as personal experiences and previous research.
•Discuss the characteristics of a good research topic, including researchability and contribution to knowledge.

Week

5

Module 2: Sources of Research Topics and Nature of Research Problems

3h

Unit 2: The Nature of Research Problems and the Problems of Research in Nigeria

3 study hours

•Understand the nature of research problems and how to identify them.
•Examine the characteristics of a research problem, including testability and specificity.
•Discuss the problems of research in Nigeria, such as inadequate funding and research environment.

Week

6

Module 3: Components of Academic Research in Language and Literature

3h

Unit 1: The Research Background and Objectives, Hypotheses and Research Questions

3 study hours

•Understand the components of academic research, including the research background.
•Learn how to write a viable research background.
•Learn how to write effective research objectives.

Week

7

Module 3: Components of Academic Research in Language and Literature

3h

Unit 2: Components of Academic Research in: Hypotheses and Research Questions

3 study hours

•Understand the components of academic research, including the research hypotheses and research questions.
•Learn how to formulate appropriate hypotheses and research questions.
•Apply hypotheses and research questions to linguistic and literary research.

Week

8

Module 4: Research Designs

3h

Unit 1: Qualitative Research Design

3 study hours

•Describe qualitative research and its types.
•Understand phenomenological, foundational, historical, grounded theory, philosophical, and ethnographic research methods.
•Identify the advantages and disadvantages of qualitative research methods.

Week

9

Module 4: Research Designs

3h

Unit 2: Methods of Qualitative Research

3 study hours

•Explore methods of qualitative research, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions.
•Design basic instruments for qualitative research.
•Apply these instruments to research in language and literature.

Week

10

Module 4: Research Designs

3h

Unit 3: Quantitative Research

3 study hours

•Describe quantitative research and its design.
•Design researches using quantitative methods.
•Identify researches which applied quantitative research methods.

Week

11

Module 4: Research Designs

3h

Unit 4: Library/Desk Research

3 study hours

•Describe literary/desk research and its design.
•State the advantages and disadvantages of applying literary/desk research.
•Learn to design literary/desk researches.

Week

12

Module 4: Research Designs

3h

Unit 5: Survey and Experimental Designs

3 study hours

•Describe survey design and experimental designs.
•Explain experimental design and its basic steps.
•Design simple experimental research projects.

Week

13

Module 5: Basic Statistical Tools for Linguistic and Literary Research

3h

Unit 1: Introduction to Statistics

3 study hours

•Understand the types of statistics and their uses.
•Explain basic measures in statistics, including central tendency.
•Identify the different ways of presenting research information.

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 the definitions and explanations of key research concepts from Unit 1.

2

Create a table summarizing the different research approaches (Unit 3) and their applications.

3

Practice formulating research questions and hypotheses based on different research topics (Module 3).

4

Study the steps involved in designing qualitative and quantitative research (Module 4).

5

Review the basic statistical tools and their applications in linguistic and literary research (Module 5).

6

Practice preparing different types of references using the MLA and APA styles (Module 6).

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