Research Methodology: A Project Guide for University Students

✍ Scribed by John Kuada

• Publisher: Samfundslitteratur
• Year: 2012
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 140
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

Research Methodology is written for university and college students who are looking for guidelines when writing for a research project. It describes some of the most influential methods in social science and speaks directly to students without any prior knowledge of project work. Written in a simple, straight-forward, and a highly engaging style, the book takes the reader through the essential features of the project work process and guides students in making key decisions that will reduce the anxieties they are likely to experience in their research process. The book also introduces students to the nature of their group work process and provides guidelines on how to work with other students in order to produce good projects. It is intended as a supplementary textbook for courses in research methodology, for bachelor and master's degree students. Highlights of the issues discussed include: structure of projects * research design * the role of theories in research projects * paradigms and philosophy of science * qualitative and quantitative data collection methods and techniques * mixed research methods.

✦ Table of Contents

Contents
Acknowledgements
Foreword
Introduction
Part 1 Basic Guidelines for Group Work and ProjectWriting
Chapter 1 Problem- and Project-based Learning
Introduction
The Scandinavian Approach to Problem-based Learning
Problem-oriented Studies
Project-organised Teaching
Group Studies
Integration of Theory and Practice
Key Points
Chapter 2 The Group Process
Introduction
Belbin’s Typology of Team Roles
Initial Tasks in Group Process Development
The Role of a Supervisor
Key Points
Chapter 3 The Project Work Process
Introduction
Research as an Iterative Process
Choosing the Project Theme
Choosing the Topic
Problem Formulation
Literature Review and Justification of the Research
Research Strategy and Resources
Objectives of Your Study
Key Points
Chapter 4 Structure of Your Project Repor t
Introduction
A General Project Structure
Deciding on the Contents of your Chapters and Paragraphs
Key Points
Par t 2 Project Design and Theoretical Platform
Chapter 5 Research Design
Introduction
The Four Levels of Understanding
Exclusive versus Complementary Approaches
Key Points
Chapter 6 The Role of Theories in Your Project
Introduction
What is a Theory?
Classification of Theories
Use of Theories
Key Points
Chapter 7 Metatheories, Paradigms, and Philosophy of Science
Introduction
The Concept of Paradigm
Objective-Subjective Perspectives in Social Science
Classifications of Paradigms in Social Science
Key Points
Part 3 Methods and Techniques
Chapter 8 Qualitative Data Collection Methods and Techniques
General Characteristics of Qualitative Methods
Qualitative Data Collection Techniques
Challenges in Collecting Qualitative Data
Evaluation of Qualitative Studies
Key Points
Chapter 9 Quantitative Data Collection Methods and Techniques
Introduction
General Characteristics of Quantitative Methods
Steps in Quantitative Data Collection
Quantitative Data Collection Techniques
Evaluating Quantitative Studies
Key Points
Chapter 10 Mixed Research Methods
Introduction
Similarities and Dif ferences between Quantitativeand Qualitative Methods
Mixing Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
Triangulation
Examples of Mixed Methods
Key Points
Chapter 11 Summary, Reflections, and Fur ther Readings
Introduction
Problem Formulation or Research Questions
Project Structure and Style of Writing
Literature Review and Theories
Philosophy of Science and its Influence on Your Project
Methods
Self-Assessment and Reflection
For Fur ther Reading
Bibliography
Subject Index