COURSE OUTLINE
2012
Course Title: Introduction to Social Research
Course Code: SOCI1001
Credits: 3
Level: 1
Course Description:
This course seeks to provide learners with an introduction to basic social research methods. It allows learners to understand the design and process of research towards analyzing and solving social research problems and the creation of knowledge. It introduces the key elements in the research process while focusing on the connections among those elements and the role that the researcher plays in the process of research. On completing the course, learners should have a holistic understanding of social research, be exposed to the various methods and issues that impact the integrity of the research and be competent in writing a research proposal for academic use.
Course Objectives:
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Knowledge
1. Define social research
2. Describe the various research traditions and their importance to social research
3. Describe the three main elements involved in designing a research project
4. Explain and distinguish the various approaches and methods used in quantitative and qualitative research
5. Explain the mixed method approach
6. Assess the impact of researcher bias in the various data collection methods
7. Describe the steps involved in measuring social variables
Skills
8. Formulate a relevant research problem
9. Formulate appropriate qualitative research questions and hypotheses for quantitative social research
10. Plan and write a proposal for a social research project
Attitudes
11. Value the importance of good research design to a successful research project
12. Reflect on the role of the researcher in the research process
13. Value the importance of ethical standards in social research
