Research Methods In International Relations
- Social Sciences
- 400 level
- 3 credit units
- 110 pages
- 13 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 40 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, research
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of INR451, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
INR451 · Unit 1 Definitions of Research Methodology
The research method according to Akpa (2011:2) is seen as a tool for “creating knowledge, wisdom, understanding and awareness through a careful, patient, systematic and objective gathering, recording and analyzing of data pertaining to a knotty problem of interest with a view to uncovering the facts and determining the truth”.
What you should be able to do
- Define research methodology and its importance
- Identify and select appropriate research topics
- Formulate testable hypotheses
- Apply various data gathering methods
- Analyze data using statistical techniques
- Write comprehensive research reports
What it prepares you for
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- International Relations Specialist
- Diplomat
- Intelligence Analyst
- Government
- Non-profit organizations
- Research institutions
- International organizations
- Consulting firms
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2:
Unit 3: Development of hypothesis for Research
Formulating testable hypotheses requires a clear understanding of variables and their relationships, which can be challenging for beginners.
- Module 3:
Unit 2: Analysis of Data in Research
Statistical analysis involves complex calculations and interpretations, requiring a solid foundation in mathematics and analytical skills.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 39 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1:
Unit 1: Definitions of Research Methodology · 3 hours
Understand the definitions of research methodology.. Identify different types of research.. Explain the importance of research in international studies..
- Week 2Module 1:
Unit 2: Importance of Research Methodology · 3 hours
Explain research methodology.. Identify objectives of research.. Explain the importance of research in international studies..
- Week 3Module 1:
Unit 3: Scope of Research Methodology · 3 hours
Identify different ways of knowing.. Distinguish between scientific method and others.. Understand the philosophy and assumptions of science..
- Week 4Module 1:
Unit 4: Focus of Research Methodology · 3 hours
Understand the major components of research.. Explain what is the research problem.. Learn to select a research problem..
- Week 5Module 2:
Unit 1: Identification of Topic in Research · 3 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 6Module 2:
Unit 2: Variables in Research · 3 hours
Define variables.. Identify variables and their place in research.. Know the types of variables..
- Week 7Module 2:
Unit 3: Development of hypothesis for Research · 3 hours
Formulate hypothesis.. Test hypothesis.. Identify characteristics of hypotheses..
- Week 8Module 2:
Unit 4: Use of Library in Research · 3 hours
Understand the use of library in research.. Identify types of library materials.. Learn about citation index..
- Week 9Module 3:
Unit 1: Gathering of data in Research · 3 hours
Be conversant with relevant data collection methods.. Identify and explain sampling designs and methods.. Identify data collection techniques..
- Week 10Module 3:
Unit 2: Analysis of Data in Research · 3 hours
Learn the statistical measures in describing distributions.. Learn how to differentiate comparative results.. Identify the three ways of describing results..
- Week 11Module 3:
Unit 3: Literature Review in Research · 3 hours
Understand the purpose of literature review.. Identify the sources of existing literature.. Learn how to structure the review of literature..
- Week 12Module 3:
Unit 4: Report Writing in Research · 3 hours
Learn the steps in writing report.. Learn the structure of report writing.. Learn the types of report writing..
- Week 13Module 3:
Unit 5: Documentation in Research · 3 hours
Learn the essence of documentation in research.. Identify the two styles of documentation in social science research..
Preparing for the exam
- Review definitions of research methodologies in Unit 1
- Practice formulating hypotheses based on different research questions (Unit 3)
- Focus on understanding data analysis techniques covered in Unit 2 of Module 3
- Create a summary of key points for each unit
- Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their solutions
Questions students ask about this course
What is INR451 about?
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.
How many units does INR451 have?
INR451, Research Methods In International Relations, has 13 units across 3 modules, over 110 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is INR451?
INR451 carries 3 credit units, at 400 level in Social Sciences.
Is INR451 hard?
INR451 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and research work.
How long does INR451 take to study?
About 40 hours of study, spread across its 13 units.
How is INR451 assessed?
INR451 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with INR451?
Researcher, Policy Analyst, International Relations Specialist, Diplomat and Intelligence Analyst.