Introduction to Research Methodology Course

Lesson 1 • The Research Process Overview

Presents the end-to-end research cycle from problem identification to dissemination. Students see how each stage connects before studying stages individually.

Lesson 2 • Ethical Principles in Research

Introduces core ethical obligations governing all research activity. Students apply ethical reasoning to scenarios before advancing to design decisions.

Lesson 3 • Nature and Purpose of Research

Defines research as a systematic inquiry process and its role in knowledge creation. Grounds students in why methodology matters before any technique is introduced.

Lesson 1 • Identifying a Research Problem

Teaches how to spot gaps in existing knowledge and frame them as problems. Students practise moving from vague interest to a defined research gap.

Lesson 2 • Writing Aims and Objectives

Distinguishes research aims from specific, measurable objectives. Students draft objective sets that map directly to their stated research questions.

Lesson 3 • Developing Hypotheses and Propositions

Explains when hypotheses are appropriate and how to state them correctly. Students write null and alternative hypotheses for quantitative scenarios.

Lesson 1 • Selecting a Theoretical Framework

Explains how theories guide interpretation and connect concepts to findings. Students justify a framework choice for their own research problem.

Lesson 2 • Purpose and Scope of Literature Reviews

Clarifies what a literature review accomplishes and how it differs from an annotated bibliography. Students define scope boundaries before searching.

Lesson 3 • Critically Analysing Sources

Teaches structured critique of methodology, argument, and evidence in published work. Students apply a critique framework to peer-reviewed articles.

Lesson 4 • Searching and Sourcing Literature

Covers database search strategies, Boolean operators, and source credibility assessment. Students execute a structured search and document their process.

Lesson 1 • Mixed Methods Research Design

Explains convergent, explanatory sequential, and exploratory sequential designs. Students diagram a mixed methods study integrating both data strands.

Lesson 2 • Quantitative Research Design

Examines experimental, quasi-experimental, and survey designs for testing hypotheses. Students match design features to specific research questions.

Lesson 3 • Qualitative Research Design

Covers phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, and case study designs. Students evaluate which design fits an interpretive research question.

Lesson 4 • Paradigms and Philosophical Assumptions

Covers positivism, interpretivism, and pragmatism as foundations for design choices. Students articulate their own paradigmatic stance and its implications.

Lesson 1 • Non-Probability Sampling Methods

Examines purposive, snowball, convenience, and quota sampling for qualitative and exploratory work. Students justify non-probability choices with transparency.

Lesson 2 • Probability Sampling Methods

Covers simple random, stratified, cluster, and systematic sampling with worked examples. Students select and apply the appropriate probability method.

Lesson 3 • Sample Size Determination

Teaches power analysis for quantitative studies and saturation principles for qualitative work. Students calculate required sample sizes using standard formulas.

Lesson 1 • Survey Design Principles

Covers question types, response scales, and questionnaire flow for minimising bias. Students draft and pilot a short survey instrument.

Lesson 2 • Measurement, Validity, and Reliability

Explains construct, content, and criterion validity alongside reliability coefficients. Students assess an existing instrument using these criteria.

Lesson 3 • Structured Observation and Secondary Data

Introduces observation schedules and the use of existing datasets as primary evidence. Students evaluate a secondary dataset for fitness of purpose.

Lesson 1 • Document and Visual Data Analysis

Introduces systematic analysis of texts, images, and artefacts as qualitative data sources. Students apply a document analysis framework to a sample corpus.

Lesson 2 • Focus Group Methodology

Explains group dynamics, moderator roles, and data capture in focus group settings. Students plan and moderate a brief focus group session.

Lesson 3 • Conducting and Recording Interviews

Addresses active listening, note-taking, and audio recording consent procedures. Students practise interviewing in pairs and reflect on technique.

Lesson 4 • Transcription and Data Preparation

Covers verbatim transcription conventions and data organisation for analysis. Students transcribe a short recording and prepare a clean data file.

Lesson 1 • Structuring the Research Report

Presents standard report sections and academic writing conventions for each. Students outline and draft their full report using a provided template.

Lesson 2 • Ensuring Rigour and Trustworthiness

Addresses validity, reliability, credibility, transferability, and confirmability across paradigms. Students audit their own study design against rigour criteria.

Lesson 3 • Quantitative Data Analysis Techniques

Covers descriptive statistics, inferential tests, and effect size interpretation. Students run and interpret analyses using standard statistical software.

Lesson 4 • Qualitative Data Analysis Techniques

Teaches thematic analysis, content analysis, and grounded theory coding procedures. Students code a transcript and develop a preliminary theme map.