Course Overview

This course introduces the foundations of social research to MURP students. It will also emphasize the different types of social research along with the different school of thoughts and philosophical approaches in social research. Students will learn the research concepts and theories: constructing a frame for analysis, research designs (Quantitative/Qualitative/Mixed Methods), relevant literature and data, techniques in reviewing and using literature, and data analysis and presentation tools and techniques. 

Course Objectives

This course aims to introduce the foundations of social research to MURP students. It discusses the philosophy of research, research design, the assumptions and approaches adopted in social research. It also familiarizes students with different theoretical, conceptual and practical issues involved in conducting and completing social research. In addition, it provides students with the knowledge, skills to understand quantitative and qualitative research methods and also offers the types of skills necessary for the planning, data gathering, analyzing and dissemination stages of social research.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

By the end of the course, students will have developed a good understanding of:

• The philosophical and theoretical bases and assumptions of social research

• The issues and epistemological underpinnings surrounding qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches

• Process of doing review of literature

• Major research paradigms and designs

• A range of approaches to analyzing the qualitative and quantitative data

• Develop a research proposal with specific focus on methodological choices and the implications of such choices

• Using NVivo for doing literature review and analyzing qualitative data