Skip to main content
NounStudy
Back to Course Catalog
INR451Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Research Methods In International Relations

This course introduces students to research methodologies in International Studies. It explores the importance, scope, and focus of research, distinguishing between scientific and traditional methods. The course covers major research components, problem selection, variables, hypothesis development, data gathering, analysis, literature review, and report writing. Students will gain skills in identifying research topics, formulating hypotheses, and conducting effective research in international relations.

Generate AI Study Notes

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

40h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Research MethodologyInternational StudiesHypothesisData AnalysisLiterature Review

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
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Research Methodology

2

Topic Selection

3

Variables

4

Hypothesis Development

5

Data Gathering

6

Data Analysis

7

Literature Review

8

Report Writing

9

Documentation

Total Topics9 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

Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Relations Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Diplomat

Apply your skills in this growing field

Intelligence Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentNon-profit organizationsResearch institutionsInternational organizationsConsulting firms

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

3h

Unit 1: Definitions of Research Methodology

3 study hours
  • •Understand the definitions of research methodology.
  • •Identify different types of research.
  • •Explain the importance of research in international studies.
Week
2

Module 1:

3h

Unit 2: Importance of Research Methodology

3 study hours
  • •Explain research methodology.
  • •Identify objectives of research.
  • •Explain the importance of research in international studies.
Week
3

Module 1:

3h

Unit 3: Scope of Research Methodology

3 study hours
  • •Identify different ways of knowing.
  • •Distinguish between scientific method and others.
  • •Understand the philosophy and assumptions of science.
Week
4

Module 1:

3h

Unit 4: Focus of Research Methodology

3 study hours
  • •Understand the major components of research.
  • •Explain what is the research problem.
  • •Learn to select a research problem.
Week
5

Module 2:

3h

Unit 1: Identification of Topic in Research

3 study hours
  • •Identify factors facilitating the identification of a problem.
  • •Identify factors aiding the selection of a topic.
  • •Identify the sources of selecting a topic.
Week
6

Module 2:

3h

Unit 2: Variables in Research

3 study hours
  • •Define variables.
  • •Identify variables and their place in research.
  • •Know the types of variables.
Week
7

Module 2:

3h

Unit 3: Development of hypothesis for Research

3 study hours
  • •Formulate hypothesis.
  • •Test hypothesis.
  • •Identify characteristics of hypotheses.
Week
8

Module 2:

3h

Unit 4: Use of Library in Research

3 study hours
  • •Understand the use of library in research.
  • •Identify types of library materials.
  • •Learn about citation index.
Week
9

Module 3:

3h

Unit 1: Gathering of data in Research

3 study hours
  • •Be conversant with relevant data collection methods.
  • •Identify and explain sampling designs and methods.
  • •Identify data collection techniques.
Week
10

Module 3:

3h

Unit 2: Analysis of Data in Research

3 study hours
  • •Learn the statistical measures in describing distributions.
  • •Learn how to differentiate comparative results.
  • •Identify the three ways of describing results.
Week
11

Module 3:

3h

Unit 3: Literature Review in Research

3 study hours
  • •Understand the purpose of literature review.
  • •Identify the sources of existing literature.
  • •Learn how to structure the review of literature.
Week
12

Module 3:

3h

Unit 4: Report Writing in Research

3 study hours
  • •Learn the steps in writing report.
  • •Learn the structure of report writing.
  • •Learn the types of report writing.
Week
13

Module 3:

3h

Unit 5: Documentation in Research

3 study hours
  • •Learn the essence of documentation in research.
  • •Identify the two styles of documentation in social science research.

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

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review definitions of research methodologies in Unit 1

2

Practice formulating hypotheses based on different research questions (Unit 3)

3

Focus on understanding data analysis techniques covered in Unit 2 of Module 3

4

Create a summary of key points for each unit

5

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their solutions

Related Courses

Other courses in Social Sciences that complement your learning

CSS411

Contemporary Issues In Criminology And Securities

3 Units
DES426

Issues in Social Development

2 Units
POL412

Political Sociology

Units
View All Social Sciences Courses