University of Ghana
Department of Political Science
Second Semester, 2015/2016 Academic Year
Lecturer: Dr. Isaac Owusu-Mensah
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Course Title
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Political Research Methods
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Course Code
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Poli 344
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Purpose and
Objectives
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The Course is a continuation
of Poli 343- Introduction to Political Research. The course is intended to
continue to introduce students to research process in social science. The
purpose of this course is to give students a firm grounding in the
fundamentals of political research and to familiarize students with a range
of typical data collection and analysis methods and processes in political
science. Consequently, students will be provided with the core skills in data
collections and analysis that can be applied in an academic setting or work
environment.
OBJECTIVES:
·
To provide students with options and different
methods of data collection and analysis available in social research with
specific emphasis on political research methodology.
·
To understand the philosophy and logic
underlying social science research.
·
To appreciate the principles that guides the design
and evaluation social science research.
·
To be confident in applying appropriate
research methods to answer social and political issues.
Please Note:
The date and venue for Interim Assessment (30%)
shall be determined during the semester.
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Week No.
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Date
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Lecture
Course
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Tutorials
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Venue
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Assessment
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1
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1st
and 2nd February 2016
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Statement of the Problem in Research
Designing and defining a research question
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Lecture: CC and
JQB 14
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2
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15th
and 16th February, 2016
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Hypotheses
The significance and use of hypothesis in various
research designs:
a.
Quantitative
b.
Qualitative
a.
Mixed Methods
|
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Lecture: CC
and JQB 14
|
|
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3
|
22nd
and 23rd February, 2016
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Theory
The significance and use of theory in various research
designs:
a.
Quantitative
b.
Qualitative
c.
Mixed Methods
Types of theories
Levels of theory
|
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Lecture: CC
and JQB 14
|
|
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4
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29 February
and 1st March 2016
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Literature Review- The Role in Research,
Types
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Lecture: CC
and JQB 14
|
|
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5
|
7th
and 8th March, 2016
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Literature Review- How to conduct review
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Lecture: CC
and JQB 14
|
|
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6
|
14th
and 15th March 2016
|
Citation and Plagiarism
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Lecture: CC
and JQB 14
|
|
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7
|
21st
and 22nd March 2016
|
Sampling and
Samples- Types, importance and appropriate application
|
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Lecture: CC
and JQB 14
|
|
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8
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28th
and 29th March, 2016
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Methods of Data
collections- Quantitative techniques-Surveys
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Lecture: CC
and JQB 14
|
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9
|
4th
and 5th April 2016
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Methods of Data
Collection- Quantitative techniques –questionnaire design
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Lecture: CC
and JQB 14
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10
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11th and 12th April, 2016
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Methods of Data
Collection- Qualitative techniques-observations
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Lecture: CC
and JQB 14
|
|
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11
|
18th
and 19th April, 2016
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Methods of Data
Collection- Qualitative techniques-Interviews-face to face and focus
groups
|
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Lecture: CC
and JQB 14
|
|
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12
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25th and 26th April 2016
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Methods of Data
Analysis –Quantitative techniques
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Lecture: CC
and JQB 14
|
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13
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2nd
and 3rd May, 2016
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Methods of Data
Analysis –Qualitative techniques
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Lecture: CC
and JQB 14
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14
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9th and 10th May
2016
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Revision
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Revision
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Lecture: CC
and JQB 14
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|
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14 - 16
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Exam (70%)
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KEY Reference
Texts:
1. Blaikie,
Norman (2010). Designing Social
Research: The Logic of Anticipation. Second Edition. Cambridge: Polity Press. pp. 124-147
2.
Creswell, J.W (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative
and Mixed Methods Approaches. Third Edition.
London: Sage Publishing Inc. Chapter One: The Selection of Research
Design pp 1-20
3.
Dawson, C (2011). Introduction to Research Methods: A practical
guide to anyone undertaking a research project.
Oxford: How To Books Ltd pp. 1-8
4.
Kreuger L. W and Lawrence Neuman, W
(2003). Social Work Research Methods:
Qualitative and Quantitative Applications.
Boston: Pearson Education Inc. pp. 11-16 (Steps of the Research Process)
5. Leedy,
P.D and Ormrod, J. E. (2010). Practical Research: Planning and Design.
Ninth Edition. New Jersey: Pearson
Education Inc. pp: 1-7.
6.
May, T (2010). Social Research: Issues, Methods and
Process. New York: Open University
Press. Chapter One: Perspective on Social scientific research pp. 7-27.
7. Punch,
K.F (2005). Introduction to Social
Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. Second Edition. London: Sage Publications Ltd. pp. 37-39
8.
Wolfer, L (2007). Real Research: Conducting and Evaluating
Research in the Social Sciences. Boston:
Pearson Education Inc. pp 13-18.
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