University of Ghana
Department of Political Science
Second Semester, 2016/2017 Academic
Year
Lecturer: Dr. Isaac
Owusu-Mensah
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Course Title
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Methods of Political
Research
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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 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.
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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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30th and 31st January 2017
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Measurement in Research:
The types and nature of measurements.
Introduction
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Lecture: JQB 14
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2
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6th and 7th February, 2017
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Statement of the Problem in Research
Designing and defining a research question
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Lecture:
JQB 14
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3
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13th and 14th February, 2017
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Hypotheses
The significance and use of hypothesis in various research
designs:
a. Quantitative
b. Qualitative
c. Mixed Methods
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Lecture: JQB 14
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4
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20th and 21st February 2017
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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: C JQB 14
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5
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27th and
28th February, 2017
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Literature Review- The Role in Research, Types
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Lecture: JQB 14
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6
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6th and 7th March 2017
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Literature Review- How to conduct review
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Lecture: JQB 14
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7
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13th and 14th March 2017
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Sampling and Samples- Types, importance and appropriate application
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Lecture: JQB 14
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8
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20th and 21st March, 2017
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Methods of Data
collections- Quantitative techniques-Surveys
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Lecture:
JQB 14
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9
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27th and 28th March 2017
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Methods of Data Collection- Quantitative techniques –questionnaire design
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Lecture: JQB 14
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10
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3rd and 4th April, 2017
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Methods of Data
Collection- Qualitative techniques-observations
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Lecture: JQB 14
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11
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10th and
11th April, 2017
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Methods of Data
Collection- Qualitative techniques-Interviews-face
to face and focus groups
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Lecture: JQB 14
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12
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17th and 18th April 2017
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Methods of Data Analysis –Quantitative techniques
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Lecture: JQB 14
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13
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24th and 25th April, 2017
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Methods of Data Analysis –Qualitative techniques
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Lecture: JQB 14
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14
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1st and 2nd May 2017.
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Revision
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Revision
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Lecture: JQB 14
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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.
