Course Description and Objectives

Research Methodology course is designed to impart education in the foundational methods and techniques of academic research in social sciences. The primary objective of this course is to develop a research orientation among the scholars and to acquaint them with fundamentals of research methods. Specifically, the course aims at introducing them to the basic concepts used in research and to scientific social research methods and their approach. It includes discussions on research designs, sampling techniques and analysis.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

1. explain key research concepts and issues
2. Search for, select and critically analyze research articles and papers
3. Prepare a literature review
4. Formulate and evaluate research questions
5. Develop a research proposal or industry project plan
6. Gain experience with instrument development and data collection methods
7. Gain experience with ethics proposals

Course Contents:

1. Theory

• Meanings and importance of Research
• Propositions, Concepts, Hypothesis, Variables and Indicators
• Transformation of Theoretical Question into Research Question
• Research Design
• Sources of Knowledge: Typologies of Sources and their Reliability

1. Methodology

• Methods of Research, Sampling Techniques, Content Analysis
• Survey Questionnaire
• Interview and Participant Observation

1. Preparation of Research Proposal: Collection, Processing and Presentation of Data
2. Research Paper Writing

• Incorporation of Facts, Statements and Quotations in Research Paper
• Citation Techniques and Bibliographic Entries

1. Computer Applications

Assessment Criterion

          Mid Term                                                                                                                              30 Marks

          Sessional ( Assignment, Presentation, Class Participation, Attendence)                                    20 Marks

          Final Term                                                                                                                            50 Marks

Timetable: Tuesday and Wednesday: 2:00 - 3:00 PM

Recommended Texts

1. Neuman, W. L. (2020). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches.New York: Pearson Education.
2. Kumar, R. (2019). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. London: TJ International Ltd.
3. Chawla, D., & Sondhi, N. (2011). Research methodology: Concepts and cases. Delhi: Vikas Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.
4. Pawar, B. S. (2009). Theory building for hypothesis specification in organizational studies. New Delhi: SAGE Publications.
5. Quinlan, C., Babin, B. J., Carr, J. C., Griffin, M., & Zikmund, W. G. (2019). Business research methods. Boston: Cengage Learning.
6. Denscombe, M. (2009). The good research guide: For small-scale social research projects. Maidenhead: Open University Press.