University Research Methodology Course

Lesson 1 • Types of Research Explained

Classifies research by purpose, approach, and time dimension. Learners map each type to appropriate disciplinary contexts.

Lesson 2 • Nature and Purpose of Research

Defines research as a systematic inquiry process and contrasts it with informal investigation. Grounds learners in why methodology matters for credible knowledge production.

Lesson 3 • Philosophical Foundations of Inquiry

Introduces ontology, epistemology, and axiology as pillars of research philosophy. Learners connect worldview assumptions to methodology selection.

Lesson 1 • Hypotheses and Propositions

Explains when hypotheses are appropriate and how to formulate null and alternative forms. Connects hypothesis use to quantitative and mixed designs.

Lesson 2 • Evaluating Research Feasibility

Assesses practical constraints including time, access, and resources before committing to a study. Learners apply a feasibility checklist to their own questions.

Lesson 3 • Developing Aims and Objectives

Distinguishes research aims from objectives and links both to the research question. Learners write measurable objectives aligned with study scope.

Lesson 4 • Crafting Research Questions

Teaches criteria for well-formed research questions: clarity, focus, and answerability. Learners practice rewriting weak questions into strong ones.

Lesson 1 • Writing the Literature Review

Structures the written review with a logical argument that culminates in the research gap. Learners apply citation norms and avoid common writing pitfalls.

Lesson 2 • Synthesising and Mapping Literature

Moves beyond summarising to identifying themes, contradictions, and gaps across sources. Learners build concept maps and thematic matrices.

Lesson 3 • Purpose and Types of Literature Reviews

Explains why literature reviews are essential and distinguishes narrative, systematic, and scoping types. Sets expectations for depth and rigour.

Lesson 4 • Evaluating Source Quality

Applies criteria for assessing credibility, currency, and relevance of sources. Learners distinguish peer-reviewed from grey literature.

Lesson 1 • Confidentiality and Data Privacy

Explains anonymisation, pseudonymisation, and secure data storage obligations. Learners map data flows and identify privacy risks in their research plan.

Lesson 2 • Institutional Review and Approval

Describes the institutional ethics review process and criteria for exempt, expedited, and full review. Learners complete a mock ethics application.

Lesson 3 • Informed Consent and Participant Rights

Covers elements of valid informed consent and special protections for vulnerable populations. Learners draft a consent form for their own study.

Lesson 4 • Core Principles of Research Ethics

Introduces autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice as foundational ethical principles. Learners apply each principle to a case study scenario.

Lesson 1 • Validity, Reliability, and Trustworthiness

Defines internal and external validity for quantitative studies and credibility criteria for qualitative ones. Learners apply quality criteria to their chosen design.

Lesson 2 • Research Design Fundamentals

Defines research design as the blueprint linking questions, data, and analysis. Distinguishes design from method and methodology.

Lesson 3 • Qualitative Research Designs

Examines phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, and case study as distinct traditions. Learners match design to epistemological stance.

Lesson 4 • Mixed Methods Research Design

Explains rationale for combining quantitative and qualitative strands and major integration strategies. Learners diagram convergent and sequential designs.

Lesson 1 • Sampling Concepts and Terminology

Defines population, sampling frame, and sample and explains how sampling error arises. Establishes the vocabulary used throughout the chapter.

Lesson 2 • Probability Sampling Methods

Explains simple random, stratified, cluster, and systematic sampling with procedural steps. Learners calculate basic sampling probabilities.

Lesson 3 • Sampling Bias and Quality Control

Identifies common sampling biases and strategies to detect and minimise them. Learners audit a sample plan for potential bias sources.

Lesson 4 • Determining Sample Size

Introduces power analysis for quantitative studies and saturation for qualitative ones. Learners apply formulas and heuristics to their own research context.

Lesson 1 • Document and Secondary Data Analysis

Covers locating, authenticating, and systematically analysing existing documents and datasets. Learners apply content analysis to a sample document set.

Lesson 2 • Instrument Validity and Reliability Testing

Applies face, content, construct, and criterion validity tests to instruments. Learners calculate inter-rater reliability and Cronbach's alpha for their tools.

Lesson 3 • Interview Methods and Protocols

Distinguishes structured, semi-structured, and unstructured interviews and guides protocol development. Learners practice probing techniques and active listening.

Lesson 4 • Observation and Field Methods

Explains participant and non-participant observation roles and structured observation schedules. Learners design an observation protocol for a defined setting.

Lesson 1 • Descriptive Statistical Analysis

Applies measures of central tendency, dispersion, and frequency distributions to summarise data. Learners produce and interpret basic descriptive tables and charts.

Lesson 2 • Preparing Data for Analysis

Covers data cleaning, coding, and entry procedures for both quantitative and qualitative datasets. Learners identify and handle missing data and outliers.

Lesson 3 • Qualitative Data Analysis Approaches

Covers thematic analysis, content analysis, and grounded theory coding procedures. Learners code a transcript and develop a preliminary thematic framework.

Lesson 4 • Interpreting and Presenting Findings

Guides learners from raw results to meaningful interpretation linked to research questions. Learners practice writing results sections with appropriate hedging language.