Monday 13 February 2017

COURSE OUTLINE AND READING LISTS - POLI 344: METHODS OF POLITICAL RESEARCH



University of Ghana
                     Department of Political Science
           Second Semester, 2016/2017 Academic Year
                Lecturer: Dr. Isaac Owusu-Mensah
Course Title
Methods of Political Research
Course Code
POLI 344
Purpose and Objectives
The course is intended 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.
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.
Week No.
Date
Lecture Course
Tutorials
Venue
Assessment
1
30th and 31st  January 2017
Measurement in Research:
The types and nature of measurements.
Introduction

Lecture: JQB 14




2
6th and 7th February, 2017
Statement of the Problem in Research
Designing and defining a research question

Lecture:
JQB 14


3
13th and 14th February, 2017
Hypotheses
The significance and use of hypothesis in various research designs:
a.       Quantitative
b.      Qualitative
c.       Mixed Methods

Lecture: JQB 14


4
20th and 21st  February 2017
Theory
The significance and use of theory in various research designs:
a.       Quantitative
b.      Qualitative
c.       Mixed Methods
Types of theories
Levels of theory

Lecture: C JQB 14

5
27th  and 28th February, 2017
Literature Review- The Role in Research, Types

Lecture:  JQB 14

6
6th and 7th  March 2017
Literature Review- How to conduct review


Lecture: JQB 14

7
13th and 14th March 2017
Sampling and Samples- Types, importance and appropriate application

Lecture: JQB 14


8
20th and 21st   March, 2017
Methods of Data collections- Quantitative techniques-Surveys

Lecture:
JQB 14


9
27th and 28th March 2017
Methods of Data Collection- Quantitative techniques –questionnaire design

Lecture: JQB 14


10
3rd and 4th April, 2017
Methods of Data Collection- Qualitative techniques-observations

Lecture: JQB 14


11
10th  and 11th April, 2017
Methods of Data Collection- Qualitative techniques-Interviews-face to face and focus groups

Lecture:  JQB 14



12
17th and 18th April 2017
Methods of Data Analysis –Quantitative techniques

Lecture: JQB 14

13
24th and 25th  April, 2017
Methods of Data Analysis –Qualitative techniques

Lecture:  JQB 14

14
1st and 2nd    May 2017.
Revision
Revision
Lecture: JQB 14

14 - 16
Exam (70%)

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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