Credit Value:
12
Module
Tutor: From respective programme
General Objective:
This module aims to develop students’ skills in
conducting research and in utilizing quantitative and qualitative research
tools. It will prepare students for research by acquainting them to the
research processes including hypothesis development, research designing, data
collection methods, designing of questionnaires and their administration.
Application of sampling techniques, statistical methods in data reduction and
analysis, as well as formatting and styling of research report will also be
stressed.
Learning Outcomes:
After the successful completion of this module, learners are expected to:
·
demonstrate proficiency in basic and selected
quantitative and qualitative research tools
·
apply research tools in conducting research
·
be proficient in reviewing literature sources
and formulate research problems, questions and hypotheses and design research
experiments
·
apply research methods, collect and analyze data
·
apply relevant statistical tools in research
work
·
write research reports
Learning
and Teaching Approach:
The
module will be delivered in 15 teaching weeks as per the following:
- 3 hours/wk of lecturing on the theory
component;
- 1 hour/wk of tutorial
- The students are required to
undertake independent research projects to sharpen their research skills.
Assessment
- End of semester examination :
Ø Theory
40%
Ø Project
proposal writing 20%
Ø Data
analysis 30%
Ø Assignment 10%
Subject Matter:
Introduction: 5L
·
Research: The concept
·
Types of research: applied and fundamental
research; scientific and social research, processes and characteristics,
comparisons and deficiencies
·
Scope and purpose of research
Review of Literature: 6L
·
Concept and need for review of literature
·
Composing bibliography from different sources
·
Reviewing the literature in the bibliography;
footnotes, references, and presenting bibliography (with emphasis on the APA
Format)
Problem, Theoretical Framework and Hypothesis: 4L
·
Problem identification and formulation
·
Theoretical framework
·
Formulation of research questions; hypotheses
and statements
Research Design: 7L
·
Importance of research design
·
Elements of the research design
·
Types of research design: exploratory,
historical, descriptive, developmental, case study, survey, casual-comparative,
experimental, quasi-experimental, and action research designs; common sources
of error in research design
Qualitative Methods of Research: 3L
·
Rapid assessment; focus group discussion; case
history; key informants
Data Collection: 4L
·
Use of secondary data
·
Collection of primary data: observation,
interview, questionnaire; questionnaire design; field-work planning
Data Analysis: 12L
·
Data Presentation: tables; graphs and diagrams
·
Statistical analysis of data: use of descriptive
and inferential tools, computer entry and output generation, application of
statistical software viz. SPSS, Nudist in data analysis
Report Writing: 4L
·
The report format and types of report
Reading list:
Essential reading:
1.
Grix, J., (2002). The foundations of Research.
Palgrave Foundations; New York (accession no.001.4 GRI)
2.
Kerlinger Fred N., Foundations of Behavioural
Research, (2000). New Delhi: Surjeet Publications.
3.
Jerrold H. Zar, (2010). Biostatistical
Analysis 5/E, Pearson, Northern Illinois,University,USA.
4.
Field, A., (2009) Discovering Statistics
Using SPSS. Sage Pub., India.
Suggested reading:
1.
Wolf H. K. and P. R Pant,(2002). Social
Science Research and Thesis Writing,. (Kathmandu: Buddha Academic)
2.
Punch, Keith F. (2005) Introduction to
Social research: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. London: Sage
Publlication
3.
Ghosh, B. N. (2007) Scientific Method and
Social Research (Revised edition). New Delhi, Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
4.
Cozby, Paul C. (2001) Methods in Behavioural
Research (seventh edition). Mayfield Publishing Co.
5.
Kumar, Ranjit (2005) Research Methodology: A
Step By Step Guide for Beginners, (Second edition)