COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course examines the procedures and principles involved in quantitative research, including problem formulation, literature review, measurement issues, sampling, research design, data analysis, and report writing using standard format. In this course students learn how to do research, and how to plan, and conduct and interpret statistical analyses using recent version of SPSS and other pertinent computer software. A written project is required. 

The objective of the course is to enhance students’ competence in positivist epistemology research paradigm, design types, and methods of data collection. Emphasis will be given on how to maintain objectivity, validity, neutrality and reliability of tests and questionnaires.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
After completion of this course, candidates will be able to:

• Understand the concept of quantitative research paradigm

• Develop the skill of problem identification

• Identify research design types

• Apply descriptive and inferential statistical tools

• Develop data collection tools

• Appreciate the different sampling methods

• Apply quantitative research designs

• Analyze and interpret data using software app

• Evaluate the appropriateness of research reports

CONTENT AREAS:

• The concept of research

• Problem identification

• Appraise of Related Literature

• Foundation of Hypothesis
  

• Research Designs

• Research Sampling

• Data Collection Tools

• Descriptive Statistics

• Inferential statistics

• Data Coding and Analysis using SPSS and other software apps

Course Delivery:

Lectures, Group discussions, Book reviews, Article reviews, Debates, Role plays, Personal reflections, Project work

Mode of Delivery: Team teaching (positivist paradigm, design types and statistical aspects

will be covered by different experts in the field)

Assessment Strategies: 

Individual Project 20%
Group Assignment 20%
Book review 30%
Reviewing MA Thesis done different quantitative design types 30%

Sample References

Nachmias D. and Nachmias C. (1997). Research Methods in the Social Sciences. NY. St. Martin’s Press.

Backstorm et al. (2007) Survey Research 4th ed. New York, Wiley.

Anderson, T. and Selove S. (1996). The Statistical Analysis of Data. Palo Alto. The Scientific Press.

Krippendrof, K. (1990). Content Analysis. California. Sage