ABOUT THE COURSE:This course on “Research Techniques, Statistics and Computer Applications” intends to provide the learners the scientific knowledge related to methodological perspectives, research techniques, quantitative and qualitative methods, statistical calculations and basic computer skills required to conduct empirical research, data collection/ fieldwork and scientific analysis in Social Sciences in general and Sociology in particular. In today's data-driven world, the ability to gather, analyse, and interpret information is more critical than ever. Academic disciplines as well as market forces need trained individuals who know how to use the scientific research tools and techniques to collect primary data and draw inferences from these and this course intends to impart these skills.This course intends to bridge the gap between theoretical research methodologies and practical application. The syllabus of this course is very comprehensive and addresses all important topic relevant at UG, PG and even PhD level. Students preparing for UGC NET/JRF, GATE and various other competitive and research related exams will also find this course very relevant. It will also be very helpful for other learners who have never read sociology or social sciences at college level.INTENDED AUDIENCE: Core paper for Undergraduate, Postgraduate & Research students studying Sociology;Elective & Open Elective for all students studying at Undergraduate or Postgraduate level in any of the Social Sciences or Humanity disciplines.Further, this is relevant for anybody interested in research or field work, survey work, enumeration, data science, social work, policy making and data analysis.This is also relevant for common educated people who want to understand empirical research or field work.PREREQUISITES: No necessary pre-requisite; anybody enrolled in Sociology course can opt for this as a Core/Elective course. As Elective/Open Elective, it could be used by anybody in any faculty interested in research/ field work/ data collection/ data analysis. This course begins with basic understanding required at UG level and anybody after passing class 12th can get enrolled.INDUSTRY SUPPORT: Any industry/service related to research/ field work/ data collection/ data analysis will find this course relevant.

Syllabus

Week 1:Scientific Research and Scientific Method, Social Research, Types of Social Research, Social Reality, Research Techniques in Research Methodology
Week 2:Philosophy of Science, Theory and Fact, Objectivity and Reflexivity, Hypothesis, Research Questions
Week 3:Epistemological Background, Positivism, Hermeneutics and Interpretivism, Realism and Critical Rationalism, Post Modernism and Constructivism, Scientific Realism
Week 4:Research Design, Major Types, Exploratory, Descriptive, Explanatory and Experimental, Logic of Inquiry, Inductive, Deductive, Abductive, Retroductive
Week 5:Questionnaire, Schedule, Observation, Interview, Quantitative and Qualitative Research
Week 6:Scale and its Types, Sampling and its Types, Probability and Non-probability Sampling and their types
Week 7:Survey or Survey Method, Case Study Method, Oral and Life History, Ethnography, Panel Study, Content Analysis
Week 8:Use of Statistics in Research, Data Types and Data Classification, Frequency, Bar Diagram, Pie Chart
Week 9:Measures of Central Tendency, Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation
Week 10:Correlation, Pearson and Spearman Correlation Coefficient, Chi Square Test
Week 11:Computer Application, Brief History of Computers, Types, Generations, Application of Software Techniques in Data Classification and Analysis, e-Methods
Week 12:Scope and Significance, ICT Applications, Mixed Methods, Manifesto of Social Research (Blaikie), Further Studies and Opportunities