MS-PP
COURSE OUTLINE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Methodology Course Manual
MS Public Policy / MPA Spring 2015
Resource person: Muhammad Feyyaz, Contact: muhammad.feyyaz@umt.edu.pk
Introduction to course manual
This course manual consists of two parts. Part I highlights structural aspects of the course; Part II
focuses on detailed exposition of the course contents, learning strategies and complementary
sources. The term ‘module’ has been employed in the manual to refer to subparts of the course.
Users are required to keep this manualat hand, in hard or soft form, for reference. Students are
welcome to contact the resource person for clarification, in case of any doubt.
PART I - COURSE STRUCTURE
Course description. This semester long course has been developed for a post-graduate class and
novice researchers to familiarize them with the complete spectrum of social science research
including philosophical fundamentals and methodological dimensions of the subject. The course
will transit from broad and more conceptual aspects to specificities. The required skill set
comprising processes, techniques, and methods to undertake professional and applied research will
be honed by a number of context specific hands-on demonstrations and teaching exercises. The
course outcome envisages an enabled learner who possesses the potential to identify him/herself
with a research tradition and equipped with the tools to develop a research proposal. The capacity
assessments will be regular feature of the learning continuum to measure progress.
Learning objectives / outcomes
a) Informed insight and sensitivity to research ethics
b) Thorough understanding of types of research and research process
c) Ability to identify a research problem and formulate viable research question(s)
d) Developing skill to undertake literature review
e) Understanding types and selection of relevant research design
f) Knowhow in data collection, measurement / testing and analysis techniques
g) Ability to develop a research proposal and accomplish a research assignment
Course summary
a) Credit hours - 3
b) Duration – one semester (45 contact hours, 30 sessions, one session 1 ½ hours)
c) Schedule –second semester for Fall 2014/ first for spring entries.
d) Programming. Topics sequencing is in the order as shown in Part II.
Course contents
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)
m)
n)
Module 1 - Capacity assessment and goal setting
Module 2 - Introduction to research
Module 3 - Research ethics and requirements
Module 4 - Epistemology of social sciences research
Module 5 - Research process
Module 6 - Structure and organization of research paper
Module 7 - Research problem – development of statement of the problem, research
questions and hypothesis
Module 8 - Literature review
Module 9 - Research design - approaches and methods
Module 10 - Data collection, measurement and data reduction / analysis methods,
Module 11 - Notes and bibliography
Module 12 - Writing a research proposal /paper
Module 13 –Assignments / Field work
Module 14 - Exams
Course material and readings. All of the course material referred to in this module is available in
the UMT library, on first come first serve basis. It will be convenient to make copies ofsuggested
material to facilitate access by the entire class. Online resources are also available in the Library
through learning resource centre to access research material from academic journals of
international repute. Besides, students will be encouraged to seek out relevant literature available
in other locally available libraries and publishing houses. Please note, mandatory readings under
respective modules have been underlined.
Participation. Effective learning can take place only through sharing of knowledge. The success of
this course is, therefore, largely dependent upon a purposeful and active participation by the
students in all its activities. The students will be well advised to come thoroughly prepared for each
activity for drawing optimum benefits from the course.
Instruction methods and tools
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Capacity assessment tests
Lecture cum discussion (LD)
Lecture cum practice (LP)
Individual exercises (IE), field work and presentations
Final research project
The Grading system
a) Grading scheme in vogue:
Letter Grades
Grade Points
A+/A
4.0
A-
3.7
B+
3.3
B
3.0
B-
2.7
C+
2.3
C
2.0
C-
1.7
F
0.0
b) Grading emphasis
1) Participation – 10 %
2) Class work – 5%
3) Assignments:40 %
4) Mid semester exam – 25%
5) Final research project – 20%
Total 100%
c) Grading criteria
1) Submitted assignments should reflect the required content and knowledge.
2) Originality of substance and ideas, research design and innovative solutions.
3) Coherent organization of contents.
4) Scholarship (citations and references list where appropriate).
5) Moral integrity and research ethics adhered to.
6) Tangible level of interest and keenness
Course Policies
A Note on the Academic integrity: The university policies on academic dishonesty will be strictly
followed. These policies prohibit all acts of cheating, lying, and deceit in their diverse forms,
especially plagiarism. Plagiarism involves presenting someone else’s ideas or written work as your
own, without giving proper citation and credit to the original source.
Make-up Exams and Late Assignments: There will be no make-up exams, unless there is a valid
(documented) reason for not taking the scheduled exams, or prior arrangements have been made
with the instructor. Five percent of the grade will be deducted for each day an assignment is late.
PART II - DETAILED COURSE OUTLINE, READINGS AND LEARNING MODES
Modules, time distribution and learning mode
Serial
Module
Time
allocation
(@session)
Learning mode
a)
Capacity assessment and goal setting
1
LD
b)
Introduction to research
2
LD
c)
Research ethics and requirements
1
LD
d)
Epistemology
research
3
LD
e)
Research process
2
LD
f)
Structure and organization of research
paper
1
LD
g)
Literature review
2
LD-LP
h)
Research problem – development of
statement of problem, research
questions and hypothesis
2
LP-exercise
i)
Research design
methods
- approaches and
2
LD
j)
Data collection -1 & 2,measurement
and data reduction / analysis methods,
4
LD-exercise
k)
Notes and bibliography
4
LD
l)
Writing research proposal / paper
1
m)
Assignments:
-
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
of
social
sciences
Conversion of concepts into
variables (2)
Writing statement of problem
(5)
writing literature review (5)
Writing Introduction (5)
Questionnaire
development
(5)
Individual / field
work,
presentations
(own time)
VI.
VII.
n)
Survey and data analysis (5)
Ethnography
/
discourse
analysis (3)
VIII.
Referencing a journal (10)
Final research project
3
Presentations
o)
Capacity assessment/ exams
4
-
Total
30
-
Detailed outline of modules and readings
Capacity assessment and goal setting. This session is meant to assess existing level of
understanding on the subject with a view to ascertain gap between existing capacity and the
desired learning outcomes. Besides, it will elicit students’expectations from the course in order
to adjust course contents, if need be.
Introduction to research. This introductory LD will highlight salient aspects of research to
include the following:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)

Significance of research / non research
Defining research, method and methodology
Social science research and terminology
Research typology and our interest
Variables classification
Place of induction and deduction in research process
Research process / cycles
Research paradigms, approaches and traditions
Attributes of a researcher
Readings
a) Research Methodology - a step by step guide for beginners Ranjit Kumar 3rd Edition
chapter 1, University of Western Australia 2013
b) Patrick J.M. Costello, Action Research first South Asian Edition 2005, chapter 1
c) Uwe Flick, Introducing research methodology, Sage Publications, New Delhi 2011,
chapter 1.
d) For further reading on quantitative and qualitative research, see list of readings at
p.17 chapter 1, Uwe Flick, Introducing research methodology, Sage Publications, New
Delhi 2011.
e) Bridget Somekh and Cathy Lewin (Ed), Theory and methods in social science, Sage
publication 2011, chapter 1
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)
DrPrasantSarangi, Research Methodology, Taxmann publications 2010, chapter 1.
S.C.Sinha, and A.K. Dhiman, Research Methodology, EssEss publications, New Delhi
200 2, chapter 2 (Kinds of research, 62-70).
Dr. Siknadar Hayat, Research Methodology Manual National Management College
Lahore, 2013.
Loraine Blaxter, Christina Hughes and Malcolm Tight. How to Research, New Delhi:
Viva Books, 1999.
Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research,
Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1995.
Hilary Coombes, Research Using IT. New York: Palgrave, 2001
Anne Burns, Action research and applied research:what are the relationships,
Research ethics and requirements. This session will be utilized to apprise the students of
ethical, moral and professional requirements for a genuinely pursued research undertaking.

Readings
a) Bridget Somekh and Cathy Lewin (Ed), Theory and methods in social science, Sage
publication 2011, chapter 3
b) DrPrasantSarangi, Research Methodology, Taxmann publications 2010.
c) The Little Book of Plagiarism, Quality Assurance Division Higher Education
Commission of Pakistan, available at
http://www.hec.gov.pk/InsideHEC/Divisions/QALI/QADivision/Pages/Plagiarism.aspx
d)
Plagiarism PolicyQuality Assurance Division Higher Education Commission of
Pakistan, available at
http://www.hec.gov.pk/InsideHEC/Divisions/QALI/QADivision/Pages/Plagiarism.aspx
e)
Ian Gregory, Ethics in Research first South Asian Edition 2005, chapters 3-5
Epistemology of social sciences research. This LD will cover structure, evolution, theory, and
various epistemological traditions until its postmodern state. The purpose is to sensitize the
participants about philosophical development in the theories of knowledge, rationale in
learning these and how epistemology relates to their spheres of academic and applied interest
in contemporary setting. Following will be the main thrust lines of the LD:
a) Ontology, epistemology and methodology as key components of research process /
activity
b) Why we need to understand these?
c) Explaining ontology, epistemology and methodology and their linkage
d) Definition of paradigm, reality and knowledge
e) Discussion on major ontological and epistemological theories of knowledge.
 Readings
a) Norman Blaikie, Approaches to social enquiry, UK:Polity Press, 1993, Chapter 2&4.
b) Jonathan Grix, Introducing Students to the GenericTerminology of Social
ResearchInstitute for Geran Studies, University of Birmingham, POLITICS: 2002 VOL 22(3),
175–186.
Research process.This LD highlights, explains and discusses main steps involved in undertaking
research. The aim is to inform, guide and rationalize thought processes of the participants
about the research as a formal activity. Complemented by other learning methods, it is hoped
that procedural aspects involved in research are ingrained and nurtured into a natural thinking
habit of the learners while dealing with assigned problems in professional careers.

Readings
a) Uwe Flick, Introducing research methodology, Sage Publications, New Delhi 2011,
chapter 4.
b) Section 1 – major steps in research process, in Dr. Siknadar Hayat, Research
Methodology Manual National Management College Lahore, 2013,
c) Introduction in Bruce Curtis and Cate Curtis, Social Research: a practical
introduction, Sage publications, 2011.
Structure and organization of research paper. A research paper comprises several parts. The
focus during this LD will be to sensitize the students of established components of a research
assignment. Each aspect will be discussed threadbare in an interactive manner to facilitate
learning.

Readings
a) S.C.Sinha, and A.K. Dhiman, Research Methodology, EssEss publications, New Delhi
200 2, chapter 16.
b) DrPrasantSarangi, Research Methodology, Taxmann publications 2010, chapter 8.
c) Adam Przeworski and Frank Salomon, The Art of Writing Proposals, Social Science
Research Council available at
http://www.ssrc.org/workspace/images/crm/new_publication_3/%7B7a9cb4f4-815f-de11bd80-001cc477ec70%7D.pdf.
Literature review. Meaning of literature of review, rationale as well as importance to carry out
review of literature for a given research assignment, sorting of required material and
methodologies involved in its reduction to writing, are key prerequisites to undertake a
productive research exercise. Principal reason in failing to comprehend and appropriately
articulating this dimension of research methodology is lack of emphasis on practice in
pedagogy. These aspects will be fully ensured during a two session long LD and LP which will be
strengthened by own time IE by the students.

Readings
Laura Roselle, Sharon Spray, Research and writing in international relations, chapter 2 available at
http://www.gbv.de/dms/sub-hamburg/641771797.pdf
Uwe Flick, Introducing research methodology, Sage Publications, New Delhi 2011, chapter 3.
Bridget Somekh and Cathy Lewin (Ed), Theory and methods in social science, Sage publication 2011,
chapter 2
International Journal of Research & Method in Education (see sample copy at
http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/cwse20/34/1#.Uc_x9ztBOos and other free articles).
International Journal of Social Research Methodology (see sample copy
http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tsrm20/current#.Uc_zrztBOos and other free articles).
Glance through relevant current issues of social sciences journals in Journal of research methods and
methodological issues, available at http://www.scientificjournals.org/current_issue.htm.
Research problem, crystallization and development of statement of the problem. This is the
foremost activity that is of fundamental significance to steer the research toward objective
ends. This LP will encompass discussion followed by two simulation exercises to draw
statement of the problem i.e., identification of issue, research questions and hypothesis.


Focus of learning:
a) What is research problem?
b) Why the need to formulate the research problem?
c) How to identify the research problem
d) Formulation of the problem statement
e) Development of research questions and hypothesis
Readings
a) Laura Roselle, Sharon Spray, Research and writing in international relations, chapter
1.
b) Uwe Flick, Introducing research methodology, Sage Publications, New Delhi 2011,
chapter 2.
c) David Plowright, Using mixed methods:frameworks for an integrated methodology,
Sage publication California, chapter 2
d) S.C.Sinha, and A.K. Dhiman, Research Methodology, EssEss publications, New Delhi
200 2, chapter 6.
e) Mats Alvesson and Jorgen Sandberg, Constructing Research Questions, Sage
Publications, New Delhi 2013, Glance chapter 1-5.
f) DrPrasantSarangi, Research Methodology, Taxmann publications 2010, chapter 2.
Research design –approachand methods.A review of available research by university graduates
suggests this being the most misunderstood dimension of research.


Focus of learning:
a) Definition of research design
b) Purpose and place of research design in research design
c) Difference between research design and research strategy
d) Types of research design
e) Steps in Research Design
f) Research designs in quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods (Survey, Case
study, Experimental design, Historical research methods, Content Analysis as
research Method)
Readings
a) S.C.Sinha, and A.K. Dhiman, Research Methodology, Ess publications, New Delhi 200
2, chapter 4 (Kinds of research, 98-106).
b) Bill Gillham, Case Study research methods, first South Asian Edition 2005, general
reading with attention to chapters 1, 3.
c) LiaLitosseliti, Using focus groups in research first South Asian Edition 2005, general
reading with attention to chapter 1
d) Roger Gomm, Social Research Methodology: A critical introduction, second edition
Palgrave Macmillan, 2008, New York, Chapter 3 –Controlled Experiments, 4 ( section
4.3 – decision-making simulation), 5 – computer simulations
e) A.D.Jankowicz, Business Research Projects, second edition, Chapman and Hall 1995,
Chapter 9-10.
f) DrPrasantSarangi, Research Methodology, Taxmann publications 2010, chapter 3.
Data collection. Data occupies a central place in the accomplishment of a research project. It is
not a simple task, however, due to the variety of types of data, multiple limitation factors
inherent in the structure of data, including reliability issues, collection and analysis strategies
and environment, to mention a few. Primarily, search for data is governed by the research
approach, underlying the design i.e. quantitative, qualitative, mix methods etc. Methods are
determined accordingly. This discourse aims to cover these aspects:
a) What is data collection?
b) Types of data collection.
c) Primary vs. secondary data

d) Qualitative and quantitative
e) Sampling techniques and design
f) Methods, tools and techniques for data collection
Readings
David Plowright, Using mixed methods:frameworks for an integrated methodology, Sage publication
California, chapter 2-5
A.D.Jankowicz, Business Research Projects, second edition, Chapman and Hall 1995, Chapter 10-12.
DrPrasantSarangi, Research Methodology, Taxmann publications 2010, chapters 5-6.
Jenny Houssart & Hilary Evens, Conducting task‐based interviews with pairs of children: consensus,
conflict, knowledge construction and turn taking, International Journal of Research & Method in
Education (see sample copy at http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/cwse20/34/1#.Uc_x9ztBOos).
S.C.Sinha, and A.K. Dhiman, Research Methodology, EssEss publications, New Delhi 200 2, chapter 7, 13.
Bruce Curtis and Cate Curtis, Social Research: a practical introduction, Sage publications, 2011.
S.C.Sinha, and A.K. Dhiman, Research Methodology, EssEss publications, New Delhi 200 2, chapter 8.
Analysis – forms, models and methods. Particular attention will be paid to expose the students
to a variety of prevailing analytical concepts, frameworks, tools and methods in use in academic
and practical fields. Following aspects will be covered:


Focus
a) Definition, rational and place of analysis in research
b) Difference in fact, analysis, inference and synthesis.
c) Types of analysis, analysis models and methods in social sciences research
d) How to construct an analytical method or framework?
e) Quantitative analysis: regression models, statistical procedures of analysis using
SPSS
f) Qualitative analysis: approaches, methods, data differentiation and analysis
g) Method to carry out critique of research efforts
Readings
a) Uwe Flick, Introducing research methodology, Sage Publications, New Delhi 2011,
chapter 8.
b) DrPrasantSarangi, Research Methodology, Taxmann publications 2010, chapter 13.
c) S.C.Sinha, and A.K. Dhiman, Research Methodology, EssEss publications, New Delhi
200 2, chapter 14.
d) S.C.Sinha, and A.K. Dhiman, Research Methodology, EssEss publications, New Delhi
200 2, chapter 16.
e) SavitriAbeyasekera, Quantitative analysis approaches to qualitative data:
why, when and how at
http://www.reading.ac.uk/ssc/n/resources/Docs/Quantitative_analysis_approaches_to_qua
litative_data.pdf.
f) ElementaryQuantitative Data Analysis: Chapter 8 at,http://www.sagepub.com/upmdata/46056_Pages_from_Chambliss_(4e)_Chapter_8.pdf.
Notes and bibliography. This LD cum LP will mark the culmination of interactive part of the
course. Its primary objective is to apprise and sensitize the class in articulating references used
in the research. Various models and traditions employed by research writers, academic
institutions and journals will be discussed to amplify practical manifestation of addressing this
key segment of research methodology. A referencing assignment from chosen journals will
strengthen the learning.
a)
Section 3 - Notes and Bibliography in Dr. Siknadar Hayat, Research Methodology
Manual National Management College Lahore, 2013,
Assignments
There will be seven assignments to be carried out in own as well as allotted time, some of
which will be presented in the class by randomly nominated individuals or groups.