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LIS305Education3 Unitsintermediate

Research Methods & Statistics in Library & Information Science

This course introduces students to research methods and statistics in library and information science. It covers basic terminologies, techniques for research inquiry, and strategies for conducting undergraduate projects. Students will learn about ethical guidelines, quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches, and the components of a research proposal. The course also focuses on critically analyzing published research studies and writing research reports.

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78h
Study Time
13
Weeks
6h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Research MethodsStatisticsLibrary ScienceData AnalysisResearch Proposal

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

Research Design

2

Data Collection

3

Sampling Techniques

4

Data Analysis

5

Research Ethics

6

Research Proposal

Total Topics6 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 (4 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

computer-based tests

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

Librarian

Apply your skills in this growing field

Information Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Assistant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Data Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Archivist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Academic LibrariesPublic LibrariesSpecial LibrariesResearch InstitutionsGovernment Agencies

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Definition of Concepts

6h

Unit 1: Definition of Research

6 study hours
  • Define research
  • Discuss methods of acquiring knowledge
  • Identify strengths and limitations of each method
Week
2

Module 1: Definition of Concepts

6h

Unit 2: Variables and Construct

6 study hours
  • Define variables
  • Describe types of variables
  • Explain construct
  • Determine the role of variables and constructs in research
Week
3

Module 1: Definition of Concepts

6h

Unit 3: Need and Purpose of Research

6 study hours
  • Identify purposes of research
  • Acquire skills to conduct research
  • Determine the value of research in librarianship
Week
4

Module 1: Definition of Concepts

6h

Unit 4: Types of Research

6 study hours
  • Identify types of research
  • Determine research type for a problem
  • Analyze strengths and weaknesses of each type
  • Ascertain research type applicable to librarianship
Week
5

Module 2: The Research Process

6h

Unit 1: The Research Process

6 study hours
  • Identify steps in conducting research studies
  • Determine processes involved in research
  • Develop research process for a project
Week
6

Module 2: The Research Process

6h

Unit 2: The Research Proposal

6 study hours
  • Define research proposal
  • Describe reasons for writing a proposal
  • Determine structure of a proposal
  • Design a proposal for a research study
Week
7

Module 2: The Research Process

6h

Unit 3: Elements of Research Proposal 1

6 study hours
  • Determine essential elements of a research proposal
  • Write a proposal for a study area
  • Highlight practical steps in conducting feasible research
Week
8

Module 2: The Research Process

6h

Unit 4: Elements of Research Proposal 2

6 study hours
  • Identify components of methodology in a proposal
  • Determine relevance of literature review
  • Explain structure of organizing chapters
  • Explain meaning of defining terms
Week
9

Module 3: Research Methodology

6h

Unit 1: Research Methods and Design

6 study hours
  • Explain research methods
  • Determine research necessary for a study
  • Examine characteristics of a good research design
Week
10

Module 3: Research Methodology

6h

Unit 2: Data Collection and Instrumentation

6 study hours
  • Describe data collection sources and techniques
  • Determine steps to begin data collection
  • Identify questionnaire types and question categories
  • Recognize techniques for interviews and participant observation
Week
11

Module 3: Research Methodology

6h

Unit 3: Validity and Reliability of Instruments

6 study hours
  • Explain the use of validity in research instruments
  • Ascertain significance of reliability in instruments
  • Differentiate between validity and reliability
Week
12

Module 3: Research Methodology

6h

Unit 4: Sampling Procedure and Techniques

6 study hours
  • Define sampling technique
  • Determine components of a research sample size
  • Determine population size
  • Define margin of error in sampling
Week
13

Module 4: Data Analysis

12h

Unit 1: Methods of Data Analysis

6 study hours
  • Describe methods of data analysis
  • Describe theoretical and practical insights to data analysis
  • Determine data analysis method for undergraduate research
  • Build foundation for postgraduate research

Unit 2: Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis

6 study hours
  • List ways to differentiate qualitative from quantitative data analysis
  • Describe strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research compared with quantitative 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

Create concept maps linking research methods and designs (Units 1-4)

2

Practice interpreting statistical output from descriptive statistics (Units 1-2)

3

Review ethical guidelines and their application in research (Unit 2 Module 5)

4

Focus on understanding the components of a research proposal (Module 2)

5

Practice writing different types of research questions and hypotheses (Module 2)

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