SOLUSI UNIVERSITY
Faculty of Education
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
berm 450 research methodology (3 cr)
Semester/Term……2nd SEMESTER……….
COURSE SYLLABUS
CHIFAMBA C. (PhD)
__________________________________________________________________________
COURSE SYNOPSIS
The course introduces students to the basic concepts of research to prepare them to undertake a research project in their content area. Students are expected to critically examine current research in education and complete a research project proposal and eventually a research project.
Objectives
At the end of the course students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of research methods and techniques used in identifying problems, forming hypotheses, designing research studies, constructing and using data-gathering instruments, and employing statistical procedures to analyse data.
2. Use the research methods and techniques learned to interpret and critically analyse research reports that appear in professional journals and other publications.
3. Develop research skills necessary to formulate a research proposal and to complete a research project.
4. Appreciate how research enhances improvement of one’s talents
Topics to be covered
- Introduction to Research
Meaning and definition of research
Role and importance of research
Significance of research
- Research proposal: Elements in the research proposal, Role/importance of research proposal
Components of a research proposal
- Research process: Outline of the research process, Background to the study, Statement of the problem, Significance of the study, Scope/Delimitations, Limitations, Definition of key terms
- Ethics in research: Definition of ethics, Informed consent, Risks and benefits to participants, Confidentiality and privacy, Debriefing, Ethical issues and scholarly work
- Reviewing of literature: purpose of the review, literature review sources, conducting a literature search etc.
- Citations, Bibliography and References.
- Research design and methodology: Definition, Qualitative research and quantitative research paradigm.
Types of research design: descriptive survey, action research and case study research designs; Pilot study
Research instruments: Interviews, Observation, document analysis and questionnaire
Research population
Research sample: Sampling techniques: simple random, systematic, cluster, convenience, purposive and snowball sampling
- The concept of measurement in statistics
Rating scales: Summated (Likert scale), Dichotomous (Binary) rating scale, Checklist
- Data management & presentation Methods
A. Qualitative Methods:
Thematic approach, coding
B. Quantitative methods:
Tables: Frequency tables
Graphs: Bar graph, multiple bar graph, Histogram, Frequency polygon, Pie chart
- Measures of central tendency: The mean, The median, The mode
- Measures of variability: The range, The variance, The standard deviation, The standard score
- Measures of relationship: Pearson Product-moment, Spearman Rank correlation, Chi-square
Textbook
Vyhmeister, N.J. (2012) Quality Research Papers: A guide to Writing For Students of Religion and Theology, Zondervan Publishing
Solusi University Standards of Writing.
Andrews University Standards of written work
WRITING THEOLOGICAL RESEARCH WELL
Adapted from Chapters 5 and 6 of Writing Theology Well: A Rhetoric for Theological and Biblical Writers, Lucretia B. Yaghjian
http://media.bloomsbury.com/rep/files/WRITING%20THEOLOGICAL%20RESEARCH%20WELL--WTWCh5-6--Rev2014.pdf
Book: Routledge-Handbook-of-Research-Methods-in-the-Study-of-Religion.pdf
/Downloads/Routledge-Handbook-of-Research-Methods-in-the-Study-of-Religion.pdf
References
1. Best, J. W. and Kahn, J. V. (1986). Research in Education. New Dehli: Prentice-Hall
2. Clines, R. H. and Cobb, E. R. (2003). Research Writing Simplified. Addison Wesley: Longman
3. Hubbuch, S. M. (1999) Writing Research Papers Across The Curriculum. New York: CBS College Publishing.
4. Kothari, C. R. (1997) Research Methodology. New Delhi: Washington Prakashan.
5. Cochran, W. G. (1997) Sampling Techniques. ( 3rd ed) New York: John Wiley and Sons
6. Bryman, A. (2001). Social research Methods. Oxford, Oxford University Press.
7. Awoniyi, S. A; Aderanti, R.A. & Tayo A.S. (2011). Introduction to Research Methods. Ibadan, Ababa Press.
Assessment
Assignments 10%
Research Proposal 30%
Final Exam 60 %
ASSIGNEMENTS
RELP 450 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed. Ecclesiastes 10:10
ASSIGNMENT 1.
Reading Assignment
Christ Object Lesson ( E G White)
Chapter 25. Talents
Mental Faculties
God requires the training of the mental faculties. {COL 333.2}
If placed under the control of His Spirit, the more thoroughly the intellect is cultivated, the more effectively it can be used in the service of God. The uneducated man who is consecrated to God and who longs to bless others can be, and is, used by the Lord in His service. But those who, with the same spirit of consecration, have had the benefit of a thorough education, can do a much more extensive work for Christ. They stand on vantage ground. – {COL 333.3}
The Lord desires us to obtain all the education possible, with the object in view of imparting our knowledge to others. None can know where or how they may be called to labor or to speak for God. Our heavenly Father alone sees what He can make of men. There are before us possibilities which our feeble faith does not discern. Our minds should be so trained that if necessary we can present the truths of His word before the highest earthly authorities in such a way as to glorify His name. We should not let slip even one opportunity of qualifying ourselves intellectually to work for God. – {COL 333.4}
Let the youth who need an education set to work with a determination to obtain it. Do not wait for an opening; make one for yourselves. Take hold in any small way that presents itself. {COL 333.4}
Make a one page summary ( in point form) of how the study of research helps you identify and develop your talents. (25 Marks)
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Mrs C Chifamba (PhD)
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you"
1 Thessalonians 5:18
- Teacher: Costance Chifamba