Research Methods & Statistics in Library & Information Science
- Education
- 300 level
- 3 credit units
- 142 pages
- 22 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 78 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, practical, case study
- Practical work
- Yes
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Computer based tests
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of LIS305, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
LIS305 · Module 5: The Research Report
This unit introduces you to the concept of research. It opens your eyes to the beginning of the entire research course, which will help you carry out independent investigative studies or inquiries. Therefore, the unit expounds on the basic concepts of research as a means of acquiring knowledge and discusses other means of knowledge acquisition.
What you should be able to do
- Recognize basic research terminologies
- Identify techniques for successful research inquiry
- Apply strategies to conduct and complete undergraduate projects
- Determine ethical guidelines in research
- Describe quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches
- Identify components of a research proposal
- Critically analyze published research studies
What it prepares you for
- Librarian
- Information Manager
- Research Assistant
- Data Analyst
- Archivist
- Academic Libraries
- Public Libraries
- Special Libraries
- Research Institutions
- Government Agencies
- SPSS
- NVivo
- EndNote
- Mendeley
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3: Research Methodology
Unit 3: Validity and Reliability of Instruments
Understanding validity and reliability requires a strong foundation in measurement theory and statistical concepts.
- Module 4: Data Analysis
Unit 4: Inferential Statistics
Inferential statistics requires a solid understanding of statistical distributions, hypothesis testing, and probability theory.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 84 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Definition of Concepts
Unit 1: Definition of Research · 6 hours
Define research. Discuss methods of acquiring knowledge. Identify strengths and limitations of each method.
- Week 2Module 1: Definition of Concepts
Unit 2: Variables and Construct · 6 hours
Define variables. Describe types of variables. Explain construct. Determine the role of variables and constructs in research.
- Week 3Module 1: Definition of Concepts
Unit 3: Need and Purpose of Research · 6 hours
Identify purposes of research. Acquire skills to conduct research. Determine the value of research in librarianship.
- Week 4Module 1: Definition of Concepts
Unit 4: Types of Research · 6 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 5Module 2: The Research Process
Unit 1: The Research Process · 6 hours
Identify steps in conducting research studies. Determine processes involved in research. Develop research process for a project.
- Week 6Module 2: The Research Process
Unit 2: The Research Proposal · 6 hours
Define research proposal. Describe reasons for writing a proposal. Determine structure of a proposal. Design a proposal for a research study.
- Week 7Module 2: The Research Process
Unit 3: Elements of Research Proposal 1 · 6 hours
Determine essential elements of a research proposal. Write a proposal for a study area. Highlight practical steps in conducting feasible research.
- Week 8Module 2: The Research Process
Unit 4: Elements of Research Proposal 2 · 6 hours
Identify components of methodology in a proposal. Determine relevance of literature review. Explain structure of organizing chapters. Explain meaning of defining terms.
- Week 9Module 3: Research Methodology
Unit 1: Research Methods and Design · 6 hours
Explain research methods. Determine research necessary for a study. Examine characteristics of a good research design.
- Week 10Module 3: Research Methodology
Unit 2: Data Collection and Instrumentation · 6 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 11Module 3: Research Methodology
Unit 3: Validity and Reliability of Instruments · 6 hours
Explain the use of validity in research instruments. Ascertain significance of reliability in instruments. Differentiate between validity and reliability.
- Week 12Module 3: Research Methodology
Unit 4: Sampling Procedure and Techniques · 6 hours
Define sampling technique. Determine components of a research sample size. Determine population size. Define margin of error in sampling.
- Week 13Module 4: Data Analysis
Unit 1: Methods of Data Analysis · 6 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 hours
List ways to differentiate qualitative from quantitative data analysis. Describe strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research compared with quantitative research.
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking research methods and designs (Units 1-4)
- Practice interpreting statistical output from descriptive statistics (Units 1-2)
- Review ethical guidelines and their application in research (Unit 2 Module 5)
- Focus on understanding the components of a research proposal (Module 2)
- Practice writing different types of research questions and hypotheses (Module 2)
Questions students ask about this course
What is LIS305 about?
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.
How many units does LIS305 have?
LIS305, Research Methods & Statistics in Library & Information Science, has 22 units across 5 modules, over 142 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is LIS305?
LIS305 carries 3 credit units, at 300 level in Education.
Is LIS305 hard?
LIS305 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, practical and case study work, and it has a practical component.
How long does LIS305 take to study?
About 78 hours of study, spread across its 22 units.
How is LIS305 assessed?
LIS305 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments, computer based tests and final examination.
What can I do with LIS305?
Librarian, Information Manager, Research Assistant, Data Analyst and Archivist.