University of Bosaso
Faculty of Social Sciences
Department of Community Development
Course Unit: Research Methods
Course Code:
Instructors' Name: Faisal Abdi Mumin
Contact: 0907 734130
Email: [email protected]
Course Description and Objectives
Social science research allow scholars to make sense of the social world, to discover why people
think and act like they do and how important institutions act. The main purpose of this course is
to provide you with a broad introduction to the methodological foundations and tools to study
research methods. But a secondary purpose is to convince you that the process of scientific
discovery can be fun. Most of the semester will focus on the fundamentals of quantitative social
science and applied research, although we will also explore qualitative research. You will learn
how to identify problems to study and research questions, specify independent and dependent
variables, check for the validity and reliability of studies and design research projects. You will
be exposed to the broad range of designs used in research from field experiments, surveys,
content analysis, focus groups and in-depth interviewing.
Specifically, at the end of this course, you should be able to:
i. Define research; explain and apply research terms; describe the research process and the
principle activities, skills and ethics associated with the research process.
ii. Explain the relationship between theory and research.
iii. Describe and compare the major quantitative and qualitative research methods in research
methods.
iv. Propose a research study and justify the theory as well as the methodological decisions,
including sampling and measurement.
v. Understand the importance of research ethics and integrate research ethics into the
research process.
vi. Be able to understand the utility of social research.
vii. Be able to construct an effective questionnaire that employs several types of survey
questions.
viii. Construct an effective research proposal that will serve as the launching point for the
study you conduct next semester.
1
Assessment process
S/n Activity Marks as percentage (%)
1 Assignments/quizzes 15
2 CATs/Mid term 20
3 Attendance and participation 5
3 Final Exam 60
Total Marks 100
Introduction to research
Importance of Research
Purpose of Research
Classifications of Research
Research According to Subject
Research According to Scope
Research According to Purpose
Research According to Approach or Paradigm
The five phases of the research process
Conceptual Phase
Design and Planning Phase
Empirical Phase
Analytical Phase
Dissemination Phase
CHAPTERS
Chapter One
Background of the Study
Problem Statement
Purpose of the Study
Objectives of the Study
General Objectives
Specific Objectives
2
Research Questions
Scope
Significance of the Study
Operational Definition of Key Terms
Chapter Two
Concepts, opinions and Ideas from Authors/Experts
Cause (IV)
Problem (DV)
Theoretical Perspectives
Related Studies
Empirical studies that relate your IV and DV
Chapter Three Methodology
Design
Population
Target Population
Sample Size
Sampling Procedures
Data Collection Instruments
Validity and Reliability
Data Collection Procedures
Data Analysis
Statistical Techniques/Tools for Data Analysis
Ethical Considerations
Limitations of The Study
Questionnaire
Researcher Made Questionnaire
Standardized Questionnaire and its sources.
