Research Methods In Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution

1. Understand the scientific method and its application to social sciences.
2. Be able to write research proposals.
3. Be familiar with qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques.
4. Understand the steps involved in the research process.
5. Be able to apply case study methods in conflict research.

13 weeks, about 30 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1:

   • Unit 1: Overview of Theoretical Paradigms in Research · 2 hours

     Read the unit introduction to understand the scientific method and its application to social sciences.. Define key concepts: variables, hypothesis, and parsimony.. Discuss the relationship between hypotheses, variables, and theory..

2. Week 2Module 1:

   • Unit 2: The Parts of a Theory · 2 hours

     Examine the nature of concepts and their relationships.. Discuss the scope of theories and levels of abstraction.. Define and differentiate between abstract and concrete concepts..

3. Week 3Module 1:

   • Unit 3: Classification of Theory · 2 hours

     Understand the different forms of theory classification.. Distinguish between deductive and inductive reasoning.. Understand the levels of theory: micro, meso, and macro..

4. Week 4Module 1:

   • Unit 4: Dimension of Research · 2 hours

     Explore the dimensions of research and their interrelation.. Discuss the temporal view of research and its importance.. Define research and its unique procedures..

5. Week 5Module 2:

   • Unit 1: Tools of Research · 2 hours

     Identify and explain the general tools of research.. Discuss the library and its resources as a tool.. Explain measurement and statistics as tools of research..

6. Week 6Module 2:

   • Unit 2: Perspective of Research · 2 hours

     Discuss the nature of research and its application to society.. Define research and learn how to raise research questions.. Identify with the Problem-Solving Approach..

7. Week 7Module 2:

   • Unit 3: Steps of The Research process · 2 hours

     Explain the research process and its sequential steps.. Identify various steps required in the research process.. Familiarize with basic examples and principles of the social science research process..

8. Week 8Module 2:

   • Unit 4: Writing a Research Proposal · 2 hours

     Explain what a research proposal is and its purpose.. Highlight methods of enquiring into any research project.. Understand the importance of a well-organized proposal..

9. Week 9Module 3:

   • Unit 1: Why do we need Research? · 2 hours

     Discuss the reasons why research is embarked upon.. Explain the time dimension in research.. Understand the circumstances under which research can be initiated..

10. Week 10Module 3:

    • Unit 2: Data Collection · 2 hours

      Explain the sources of quantitative data in research.. Highlight the use of questionnaires in research.. List the uses of the survey method.. Discuss the use of secondary sources of materials..

11. Week 11Module 3:

    • Unit 3: Qualitative Research Methods · 2 hours

      Explain the meaning and uses of qualitative data.. Identify with Participant Observation and Focus Group Discussions.. Discuss Ethnography and Photography.. Define interview methods and explain Sociometry and Historiography.. Define Content Analysis and the use of Secondary information..

12. Week 12Module 3:

    • Unit 4: Quantitative Research Methods · 2 hours

      Explain the nature of quantitative data.. Identify with averages and means in quantitative research methods.. Discuss standard deviation and variances.. Explain how to analyze conflict data using quantitative methods..

13. Week 13Module 7:

    • Final Revision · 6 hours

      Review all modules and units.. Work on assignments.. Prepare for final exams..