Module Code and Title:       UGR201          Research Methodology

Programme:                          BA in Development Economics

Credit Value:                         12

Module Tutor:                       Sonal Mehta

General objective: The aim of this module is to provide the student with an understanding of research principles and a range of research methods and techniques. The module will enable students to define a clear research problem and select an appropriate method to answer the research question. This will enable students to develop the research skills and knowledge necessary to undertake an independent research project later in the programme.

Learning outcomes – On completion of this module, learners should be able to:

1. Formulate a clear and focused research problem.
2. Identify and apply appropriate research methods to a given problem.
3. Develop an effective research design.
4. Assess the internal and external validity in a research design.
5. Collect information and data in a scientific manner.
6. Present the results of research and its analysis in appropriate forms.
7. Identify the sources of biases in research.
8. Discuss ethical principles of research, ethical challenges and approval processes.
9. Briefly describe the general features of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approaches to research.
10. Identify the components of a literature review.
11. Critically analyse published research.
12. Explore current research within a specialist research area drawing on appropriate theoretical perspectives.

Learning and Teaching Approach: This module will be taught by means of lectures, tutorials, classroom workshops, review of research papers, and self-directed study. Lectures will aim at explanation of various concepts and theories aided by tutorials. In classroom workshops, groups of 4-5 students will be given research papers to review and discuss their opinions regarding the research question, research methodology, and potential biases.

Assessment Approach:

A. Individual Assignments (2): Portion of Final Marks: 30%

Students will complete two assignments (15% each) related to problem solving / modelling a given situation. Each assignment should have a maximum limit of 600 words.

• 4%       Clarity of concepts.
• 7%       Knowledge of alternative approaches
• 4%       Justification for the use of research design/sampling methods

B. Class Tests (2): Portion of Final Marks: 10%

Two tests (5% each) will be administered to test the understanding of basic concepts taught over 4 weeks. Duration: 45 minutes each.

C. Research proposal: Portion of Final Mark: 45%

Each student will develop a research proposal, and then make a 10 min presentation and defend it. Students must prepare a report of 2000 words and a presentation using a maximum of 7 slides within 5 minutes, with 5 additional minutes for Q&A.

• 6%       Clarity of research question
• 5%       Appropriate structure of report
• 10%     Suitable research design
• 7%       Suitable research methods
• 4%       Incorporating ethical aspects
• 4%       Addressing biases
• 4%       Effective presentation
• 5%       Effective handling of Q&A session

D. Midterm Examination: Portion of Final Mark: 15%

Students will take a written exam of 1.5 hr duration covering topics up to the mid-point of the semester. 

Pre-requisites:

Subject Matter:

1. Introduction

• Defining Scientific Research; Scientific Method; Research Methods and Methodology
• Types of Research: exploratory, descriptive and exploratory

2. Thinking Like a Researcher

• Unit of Analysis
• Concepts and Constructs
• Variables: dependent, independent, moderating and control
• Propositions and Hypotheses
• Theories and Models; Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
• Defining a Research problem

3. Research Process

• A Very Brief Introduction to Paradigms of Social Research: positivism, post-positivism, ontology and epistemology
• Overview of the Research Process: observation, rationalisation and validation; Functionalistic Research Processes: exploration, research design and execution
• Literature Review: methodology, search, selecting information, critical review, referencing

4. Research Design

• Key Attributes: internal and external validity
• A Brief Introduction to Popular Research Designs: exploratory, experimental and quasi experimental, filed survey and secondary data analysis, case research, action research and ethnography
• Selecting Research Designs

5. Measurement Constructs

• Conceptualization and Operationalization
• Levels of Measurement: numeric, string,
• Scales: nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio and binary
• indexes

6. Sampling

• The Sampling Process: population, sample frame, sample
• Probability Sampling: simple random, systematic, stratified, cluster multi-stage sampling
• Non-Probability Sampling: convenience, quota, expert and snowball
• Statistics of Sampling: sampling distribution, confidence interval, sample size determination

7. Survey Research

• Questionnaire Surveys: types, response formats, content and wording, sequencing,
• Interview Survey: key informant interviews, focused group, role of interviewer
• Biases in Survey Research: non response bias, sampling bias, recall bias,

8. Experimental Research

• Very brief introduction of the basic concepts: treatment and control groups (students should be able to make a distinction between these designs)

9. Case research

• Selection of case sites
• Create Instruments: structured and unstructured interviews and select respondents

10. Research Ethics

• Importance of Research Ethics
• Ethical Principles in Scientific Research

Reading List:

1. Essential Reading
   • Bhattacherjee, A. (2012). Social Science Research: Principles, Methods and Practices. Textbooks Collection, Book 3. Retrieved from http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/oa_textbooks/3
   • Kothari, C.R. (2004). Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. New Age International.
2. Additional Reading
   • Becker, S. & Bryman, A. eds, (2004). Understanding research for social policy and practice. Policy Press.
   • Bryman, A. (2012). Social Research Methods. Oxford University Press
   • Dixon B.R., Bouma, G.D., Atkinson, G.B.O. (1987). A Handbook of Social Science Research. Oxford University Press.
   • Kara, H (2015). Creative Research Methods in Social Sciences: A Practical Guide. CMP Poole.
   • Seale, C., ed. (2004). Social Research Methods. Routledge.

Date: January 15, 2016