COURSE OUTLINE AND READING LIST FOR POLI 344: POLITICAL RESEARCH METHODS, 2018/2019 ACADEMIC YEAR.

                                                            University of Ghana

 Department of Political Science

Second Semester, 2017/2018 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 dates and venues for Interim Assessments (30%) shall be determined during the semester. There shall be at least two assessments.
Week No.	Date	Lecture Course	Tutorials	Venue	Assessment
1	4th and 5th   February 2019	Measurement in Research: The types and nature of measurements. Introduction		Lecture: JQB 22 and JQB 14
2	11th and 12th February, 2019	Statement of the Problem in Research Designing and defining a research question		Lecture: JQB 14  and JQB22
3	18th and 19th February, 2019	Nature and Process of Research		Lecture: JQB 14 and JQB22
4	25th and 26th   February 2019	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:  JQB 14 and JQB22
5	4th  and 5th March, 2019	Literature Review- The Role in Research, Types		Lecture:  JQB 14 and JQB 22
6	11th and 12th  March 2019	Literature Review- How to conduct review		Lecture: JQB 14 and JQB 22
7	18th and 19th March 2019	Sampling and Samples- Types, importance and appropriate application		Lecture: JQB 14 and JQB 22
8	25th and 26th    March, 2019	Methods of Data collections- Quantitative techniques-Surveys		Lecture: JQB 14 and JQB 22
9	1st and 2nd April 2019	Methods of Data Collection- Quantitative techniques –questionnaire design		Lecture: JQB 14 and JQB 22
10	8th  and 9th  April, 2019	Methods of Data Collection- Qualitative techniques-observations		Lecture: JQB 14 and JQB 22
11	15th  and 16th April, 2019	Methods of Data Collection- Qualitative techniques-Interviews-face to face and focus groups		Lecture:  JQB 14 and JQB 22
12	22nd  and 23rd April 2019	Methods of Data Analysis –Quantitative techniques		Lecture: JQB 14 and JQB 22
13	29th and 30th  April  2019	Methods of Data Analysis –Qualitative techniques		Lecture:  JQB 14 and JQB 22
14	6th and 7th     May 2019	Revision	Revision	Lecture: JQB 14 and JQB 22
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.