COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is the introductory course that will introduce undergraduate and graduate students, junior researchers, policy makers into the world of social science research. It provides new knowledge how learner can conduct an organized enquiry that aims at providing information for solving identified problems. The following are the topics that will be taught in the course: meaning of research, types of research, tools for research, research planning and design, review of literature, nature of data, research methodology, research proposal, sampling techniques, performing data analysis techniques, presentation of research results and referencing styles among others.


The learning adopts a problem solving approach which would include lecture and hand on sessions. The focus would be to undertake research Methodology in Social sciences based setting which includes planning, data collection, data entry, data editing, data analysis, report writing and publications. Interactive learning sessions would focus on “how to do” including hands on training to use statistical software for social Science.

The course is structured to act as a vehicle for analyzing your own quantitative research data, and is aimed at learners embarking on post graduate studies and junior Researchers. The course may be especially valuable for individuals returning to academic work after some absence from research, or to those who do not have a good foundation in data analysis using SPSS.