COURSE OUTLINE AND READING LIST: POLI 344 (POLITICAL RESEARCH METHODS)

                                                           University of Ghana

 Department of Political Science

Second Semester, 2013/2014 Academic Year

Lecturer: Dr. Isaac Owusu-Mensah

Course Title	Political Research Methods
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	11th and 13th February 2014	Statement of the Problem in Research Designing and defining a research question		Lecture: CC and JQB 14
2	18th and 20th February, 2014	Hypotheses The significance and use of hypothesis in various research designs: a.       Quantitative b.      Qualitative a.       Mixed Methods		Lecture: CC and JQB 14
3	25th and 27th February, 2013	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: CC and JQB 14
4	4th and 6th March 2014	Literature Review- The Role in Research, Types		Lecture: CC and JQB 14
5	11th  and 13th March, 2014	Literature Review- How to conduct review		Lecture: CC and JQB 14
6	18th and 20th  March 2014	Citation and Plagiarism		Lecture: CC and JQB 14
7	25th and 27th March 2013	Sampling and Samples- Types, importance and appropriate application		Lecture: CC and JQB 14
8	1st  and 3rd April, 2014	Methods of Data collections- Quantitative techniques-Surveys		Lecture: CC and JQB 14
9	8th and 10th April 2014	Methods of Data Collection- Quantitative techniques –questionnaire design		Lecture: CC and JQB 14
10	15th  and 17th April, 2014	Methods of Data Collection- Qualitative techniques-observations		Lecture: CC and JQB 14
11	22nd and 24th April, 2013	Methods of Data Collection- Qualitative techniques-Interviews-face to face and focus groups		Lecture: CC and JQB 14
12	29th April and 1st  May 2013	Methods of Data Analysis –Quantitative techniques		Lecture: CC and JQB 14
13	6th  and 8th  May, 2013	Methods of Data Analysis –Qualitative techniques		Lecture: CC and JQB 14
14	13th  and 15th   May	Revision	Revision	Lecture: CC and 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.