Course Code & Number
ECON 401
Course Title
Research Methods
Credit Hours/ ECTS Credits
(3+0+0) 3 TEDU Credits, 7 ECTS Credits
Type of Course:
Compulsory
Mode of Delivery:
Face-to-face
Language of Instruction:
English
Pre-requisite / Co-requisite::
Pre-requisites: NONE
Co-requisites: NONE
Catalog Description
Epistemological, quantitative and qualitative research methods. Scientific method. Problem definition process and classification of variables. Sampling techniques. Data collection methods.
Course Objectives
This course aims to enable students to apply economic theory to real world problems and concerns, to learn the vast array of information available to economists over the Internet and in the library, to learn where resources and data can be located. Course objectives include using statistical methods to analyze and evaluate the application of economic theory and reasoning, and gaining an appreciation for the value of economic reasoning and research, while also recognizing the limitations of its application. Students will also learn to write an effective research paper and be able to effectively present it to your fellow students.
Software Usage
Students will use Stata 12, MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint) to work on their weekly assignments about 2 hours a week.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon succesful completion of this course, a student will be able to
1. Review the relevant literature; collect data from various sources.
2. Formulate hypothesis.
3. Apply theoretical and quantitative methods to the analyses of economic and social sciences problems.
4. Conduct individual assignments and perform effectively in a group environment by demonstrating leadership and team-building qualities.
5. Demonstrate a logical argument, analyse and interpret data and evaluate alternative perspectives on the basis of objective reasoning.
6. Utilise effectively statistical and other packages.
7. Demonstrate the ability to learn independently; analyse and evaluate published research.
Learning Activities and Teaching Methods:
Telling/Explaining
Discussion/Debate
Questioning
Reading
Demonstrating
Problem Solving
Case Study/Scenarion Analysis
Oral Presentations/Reports
Hands-on Activities
Web Searching
Assessment Methods and Criteria:
Test / Exam
Quiz
Case Studies / Homework
Presentation (Oral/Poster)
Assessment Methods and Criteria Others:
Recommended Reading
1. Ormerod. P., Why Most Things Fail: Evolution, Extinction and Economics. Pantheon, New York, 2006.
2. Sapsford. R., Survey Research. 2nd edition, Sage, London, 2006.
3. Grooves. R. et al, Survey Methodology. 2nd Edition, Wiley-Blackwell, London, 2004.
4. Israel. M. and I. Hay, Research Ethics for Social Scientists. 1st Edition, Sage, London, 2006.
Required Reading
1. Ethridge. D., Research Methodology in Applied Economics. 2nd Edition, Wiley-Blackwell, Iowa, 2004.
2. Field. A., Discovering Statistics Using SPSS. 3rd Edition. Sage, London, 2009.
3. Weinberg. D., Qualitative Research Methods. Malden: Blackwell, 2002.
Learning Activities and Teaching Methods Others:
Student Workload:
| Workload | Hrs |
|---|
| Case Study Analysis | 16 |
| Oral Presentation | 32 |
Course & Program Learning Outcome Matching:
