DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
COVENANT UNIVERSITY, OTA
2014/2015 ACADEMIC SESSION
ALPHA SEMESTER
COLLEGE: DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
DEPARTMENT: SOCIOLOGY
COURSE COMPACT
COURSE CODE AND TITLE: SOC 311: METHODS OF SOCIAL
RESEARCH I
COURSE LECTURER: DAVID IMHONOPI, BSc, MSc, PhD (Ibadan)
SEMESTER: ALPHA
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF COURSE
This course is aimed at providing a sound introduction to the overall process of
research and the specific methods mostly used by sociologists and other social
scientists. It will examine the role of theory, variables, facts and concepts,
hypothesis in research, as well as concepts such as population, sample, sample
frame and sampling techniques. It will also examine the total process of
conducting a research and how to draw up a research design and methodology.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/GOALS
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Define research or explain what research is.
2. Mention the characteristics of a good research.
3. List the research process.
4. Identify the research methods in sociology.
5. Explain what the following terms in research are and what they represent:
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 Theory, Variables, Facts, Concepts, Hypothesis, Population,
Sample and Sampling Frame
6. Identify and explain what research sampling techniques are and their
various types
 Probability sampling techniques
 Non-probability sampling techniques
7. Know how to draw up research design and methodology
METHODS OF LECTURE DELIVERY/TEACHING AIDS
Lectures will involve the use of overhead projectors while classes will be made
as interactive as possible. Prepared lecture note will be made available on the
University Portal for students’ download. This will be complemented by hard
copies.
COURSE OUTLINE (MODULES & DETAILS OF TOPICS)
MODULE 1: Understanding Social Research
WEEK 1: Conceptualising Social Research
WEEK 2: Characteristics and benefits of a good research
WEEK 3: Examining the Research Process
MODULE 2: Research Methods in Sociology
WEEK 4: The Survey method
WEEK 5: Observation and Experimental Methods
WEEK 6: Focus Group Discussion Method
MODULE 3: Relevant Terms in Social Research
WEEK 7: Facts and Concepts
WEEK 8: Theory and Variables
WEEK 9: Hypothesis and Population
WEEK 10: Sample and Sampling Frame
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MODULE 4: Research Sampling Techniques
WEEK 11: Probability Sampling Techniques: Advantages and Disadvantages
WEEK
12:
Non-Probability
Sampling
Techniques:
Advantages
and
Disadvantages
MODULE 5: Class Practice: Research Design and Methodology
WEEK 13: Class Practice: Draw up a research design and methodology for a
research work.
WEEK 14: Course Revision and Examination Preparation
STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME/METHOD OF GRADING
There will be Continuous Assessment made up of one assignment within the
first four weeks of resumption followed by a mid-term test and then
examination.
Grading will be as follows:
Continuous Assessment 30%
Examination
70%
Total
100%
GROUND RULES & REGULATIONS
Students are required to attend all lectures punctually, participate actively in
class, read recommended texts and lecture materials, and do all assignments and
tests.
TOPICS FOR TERM PAPER/ASSIGNMENT/STUDENTS’ ACTIVITIES
1. Identify the role of theory in social research.
2. Compare and contrast the survey research method from the focus group
discussion method. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of each
method.
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3. Develop a research process for this research topic: Improving Higher
Education in Nigeria.
4. Pick one probability sampling technique and critique it.
ALIGNMENT WITH COVENANT UNIVERSITY VISION/GOALS
Knowledge and application of social research are very critical to equip
Covenant University students with critical thinking skills. As future leaders, the
ability of these students to know how to carry out social research on subjects of
interest, in an objective and scientific manner, will help them become successful
professionals whether in industry, ministry or in the university. There are
myriads of social problems facing Nigeria and the continent of Africa, thus
raising this crop of new leaders to know how to carry out research aimed at
proffering enduring solutions to these challenges will enhance the fulfilment of
the university mandate and further crystallise the visionary’s goal for the
establishment of this ivory tower. This course will expose them to the nittygritty of social research.
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES/INDUSTRY RELEVANCE
Social problems, including business challenges, are on the climb everywhere.
To proffer solutions to these problems, the problems must first of all be
identified, examined and dissected. To do this effectively, research becomes a
sine qua non. Therefore, the ability of social science university students to
conduct scientific, objective, socially relevant and robust research works will
hasten the troubleshooting process, and make them useful to their organisations
when they graduate in resolving organisational challenges in a timely and
efficient fashion. Social research is important in all facets of human endeavours,
and the application of research findings to industrial use is not only sensible, but
sometimes it is also an inevitable measure to drive organisational change and
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keep a business solvent and sustainable. This course will expose students to the
step-by-step process of carrying out robust social research works.
RECOMMENDED READING
Chapman, S. (2000). Revise AS Sociology. London: Letts Educational.
Dooley, D. (1995). Social Science Research Methods. Third Edition. Englewood Cliff, New
Jersey: Prentice-Hall.
Howard, M. C. & Dunaif-Hattis, J. (1992). Anthropology: Understanding Human Adaptation.
New York: HarperCollins.
Imhonopi, D. & Urim, U. M. (2011). “Maximising ICT for Quality Research and Teaching in
Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria.” Journal of Society and Development, Vol. 1, No. 3.
Delta State University, Abraka.
Imhonopi, D. & Urim, U. M. (2012). Sociology, Culture and Social Problems: Essays and
Insights. Lagos: Institute of Communication and Entrepreneurship Development.
Imhonopi, D. (2009). Influence of Utilisation of Internet Services on Teaching and Research
Output among Academic Staff of Selected Universities in South-Western Nigeria. An
unpublished PhD Thesis submitted to the Department of Sociology, University of
Ibadan, Ibadan.
Jones, R. A. (1995). Research Methods in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Second
Edition. Sunderland, Massachusetts: Sinauer Associates, Inc.
Macionis, J. J. (1997). Sociology. Sixth Edition. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice
Hall.
Marshal, C. & Rossman, G. B. (1989). Designing Qualitative Research. London: Sage
Publications.
Moore, S. (2001). Sociology Alive! Third Edition. London: Nelson Thomas Ltd.
Rosnow, R. L. & Rosenthal, R. (1996). Beginning Behavioral Research: A Conceptual
Primer. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall .
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