Login Create Account

Back to Course Catalog

PCR312Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Peace Research Methods

This course introduces students to peace research methods, emphasizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It explores the workings of peace research, addressing constraints and the need for diverse methodologies in peace studies and conflict resolution. Students will learn to apply research methods, respect international law, and contribute to building and maintaining peace in their communities and the global arena. The course covers data collection, analysis, and ethical considerations, preparing students for future research endeavors.

Generate AI Study Notes

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

120h

Study Time

13

Weeks

9h

Per Week

basic

Math Level

Course Keywords

Peace Research MethodsQualitative ResearchQuantitative ResearchConflict AnalysisData Collection

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 Foundations

2

Data Collection Instruments

3

Sources of Research Data

4

Sampling Methods

5

Research Measurement

6

Data Analysis

7

Research Ethics

8

Referencing Styles

9

Conflict Analysis

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

Peace Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Conflict Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Mediator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Conflict Resolution Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentNon-Governmental OrganizationsInternational OrganizationsResearch InstitutionsConsulting

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Research Foundation

6h

Unit 1: Introduction to Research

3 study hours

•Define research and social research.
•Identify and differentiate between basic, applied, and practical research.
•Discuss the importance of research in solving problems and enhancing knowledge.
•Examine the characteristics of research and the research process.

Unit 2: Science and Research

3 study hours

•Describe the scientific approach to social research.
•Identify and explain the five sources of knowledge: tradition, authority, mystification, common sense, and scientific knowledge.
•Explain the types of errors in human inquiry, such as inaccurate observation and overgeneralization.

Week

2

Module 1: Research Foundation

4h

Unit 3: Basic Foundation of Social Research

4 study hours

•Define concepts, models, variables, theory, hypothesis, and law.
•Understand the meaning of these concepts and their interrelationships.
•Apply these concepts correctly in research work.
•State the differences in the use of these terms in social research.

Week

3

Module 1: Research Foundation

4h

Unit 4: Processes or Methods of Social Research

4 study hours

•Explain the procedure of carrying out social research.
•Understand how to choose a researchable topic and formulate research problems or hypotheses.
•Develop the aims and objectives of the research.
•Identify the most appropriate research instrument(s) for the work and how to collect data.

Week

4

Module 1: Research Foundation

4h

Unit 5: Research Proposal and Research Project Report

4 study hours

•Explain what a research proposal is.
•Enumerate and discuss the components of a research proposal.
•Discuss the structure and content of a research project report, including the preliminaries, main body, and appendix.

Week

5

Module 2: Data and Data Collection Instruments

4h

Unit 1: Meaning and Components of Data

4 study hours

•Define and explain various types of data: nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio.
•State the characteristics of good data collection, including attributability, originality, promptness, accuracy, legibility, indelibility, and storability.
•Discuss the data collection procedure or plan, including permission to proceed, data collection, and data handling.

Week

6

Module 2: Data and Data Collection Instruments

4h

Unit 2: Questionnaire as Research Tool

4 study hours

•Define questionnaire and state its types: close-ended and open-ended.
•State the merits and demerits of each type of questionnaire.
•Draw a questionnaire research flow chart.
•Enumerate the qualities of a good question and questionnaire.

Week

7

Module 2: Data and Data Collection Instruments

4h

Unit 3: Interview as Research Tool

4 study hours

•Define interview as a survey technique.
•Classify and explain the classes of interview: structured and unstructured.
•Enumerate and explain the types of interview methods: face-to-face, panel, telephone, in-depth, and case interview.
•State measures promoting good quality of data in interviews.

Week

8

Module 2: Data and Data Collection Instruments

4h

Unit 4: Focus Group Discussion (FGD)

4 study hours

•Define focus group discussion (FGD).
•State appropriate and inappropriate times for FGD.
•Discuss the process of conducting FGD.
•Explain guidelines for conducting FGD and how to write an FGD report.

Week

9

Module 2: Data and Data Collection Instruments

4h

Unit 5: Observation and Indirect Research Tools

4 study hours

•Explain observation as a data collection method.
•State the importance of preliminary steps to be taken during observation.
•Mention and briefly discuss different types of observation: participant and non-participant.
•Discuss indirect methods of data collection, including projective techniques, physical traces, content analysis, and statistical records.

Week

10

Module 3: Sources of Research Data / Information

4h

Unit 1: Library and Research

4 study hours

•Define library and explain library classification systems.
•Discuss the contributions of Ranganathan to library classification.
•Explain cataloguing and the different forms of library catalogues.
•Describe the benefits of the library to research and the library registration and usage procedures.

Week

11

Module 3: Sources of Research Data / Information

4h

Unit 2: Use of Internet Resource for Research Purpose

4 study hours

•Define the internet and its services.
•Enumerate and discuss various types of information resources available on the internet.
•Understand basic internet tools, including Telnet, FTP, e-mail, mailing lists, newsgroups, and the World Wide Web.
•Explain how to find information on the internet using search engines and directories.

Week

12

Module 3: Sources of Research Data / Information

8h

Unit 3: Research Ethics

4 study hours

•Define research ethics and give an account of the historical background of ethics in research.
•Explain the basic principles of ethics in social research: respect for persons, beneficence, and justice.
•Discuss the importance of informed consent in research and how to achieve it.

Unit 4: Referencing Styles in Academics Works I

4 study hours

•Define referencing style and enumerate different referencing styles.
•State the importance of referencing in academic work.
•Discuss the APA and MLA styles of referencing, including basic rules for document layout and formatting citations.

Week

13

Module 3: Sources of Research Data / Information

4h

Unit 5: Referencing Styles in Academic Works 2

4 study hours

•Explain the Chicago Manual of Referencing Style, including the author-date system and the documentary-note style.
•Discuss the Harvard style of referencing and its variants.
•Describe the Vancouver style of referencing.

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 all module introductions and summaries to reinforce key concepts.

2

Create detailed outlines for each unit, focusing on definitions, methodologies, and ethical considerations.

3

Practice applying different referencing styles (APA, MLA, Chicago) to various source types.

4

Study conflict analysis tools (ABC Triangle, Onion Method, Force-Field Analysis) and their applications in real-world scenarios.

5

Focus on understanding the distinctions between qualitative and quantitative research methods, including their strengths and weaknesses.

6

Review all self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked assignments to identify areas needing further study.

Related Courses

Other courses in Social Sciences that complement your learning

Information System Security Management

International Relations And The Media

Language And Information Management In Peace & Conflict Resolution

View All Social Sciences Courses