Methods of Study and Research
Overview
Objectives:
This course aims at the dissemination of knowledge about the scientific methods of study and conduction of research. The course is specifically designed to serve the needs of postgraduate students in general, and the students with scholastic bent of mind, in particular who intend to go for higher education. A familiarity with latest / modern methods of study and the basic skills of research will facilitate the future assignments of would-be scholars. Tutors of this course should ask the students to prepare their semester assignments with the application of basic research techniques.
Contents:
1. Approaches to the Study of Political Science:
a) Normative;
b) Positivistic;
c) Disciplinary;
d) Intra-Disciplinary;
e) Behavioral
2. Methods:
a) Comparative;
b) Analytical;
c) Deductive / Inductive;
d) Quantitative / Qualitative;
e) Scientific.
3. Scientific Research:
a) Concepts;
b) Theories;
c) Facts;
d) Laws;
e) Generalization;
f) Prediction.
4. Research:
a) Meaning, Kinds and Importance;
5. Steps involved in Research Process:
• Selection of the problems;
• Hypothesis;
• Research Design (Components);
• Techniques for the collection of data – Observation, Interviews, Questionnaires, Scrutiny of
• Documents; Sampling, Sampling Design;
• Application of Computer
NOTE: In the 4th year, a student will be required to study five courses. One of these entitled: Methods of Study and Research will be a compulsory course. Four other can be chosen from a list of advanced courses.
Credit hours/ Marks:- 04 Cr. Hrs.
1. Beverly R.Dixon, A Handbook of Social Science Research, London, Oxford University Press, 1987.
2. Buttolpa Johnson Janet and Richard A. Joslyn, Political Research Methods, Englewood Cliffs, Prentice Hall, 1986.
3. C.R. Kothari, Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques, New Delhi, Wiley Eastern Ltd., 1985.
4. Chava Nachmias and David Nachmias, Research Methods in Social Sciences, New York, St. Martins Press, 1981.
5. John W. Creswell, Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches, New Delhi, Sage Publications, 2003.
6. Julian L. Simon and Paul Burstein, Basic Research Methods in Social Sciences, New York, Random House, 1985.
7. Margaret Stacey, Methods of Social Research, New York, Pergamon Press, 1969;
8. Philips W. Shively, The Draft of Political Research, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, Prentice-Hall, 1980.
9. Singleton (Jr.) Roycea and Bruce C. Straits, Approaches to Social Research (4th ed.), London, Oxford University Press, 2006.
10. W.G Goode and P.K. Hatt, (Eds.) Methods in Social Research, New York, McGraw-Hill, 1952.