Research Methods

Course main Aim/Goal

This course is intended to equip the student with research techniques (emphasis on survey techniques) and their application in chemistry (e.g. research in chemical education, marketing research for chemical products, public perception of chemical issues).

GENERAL OBJECTIVES:

1. Understand research and its process

2. Understand scientific approach to research

3. Know how to design research

4. Understand research problem

5. Understand formulation and validation of hypothesis

6. Understand variables in research work

7. Know sample and sampling techniques

8. Know how to review literature

9. Know the tools and techniques of data collection

10. Understand data analysis techniques.

11. Know how to report research findings.

1.1 Define research

1.2 Identify types of research

1.3 Explain the problems of research - conceptualization, control, generalization etc.

1.4 Explain steps in research process.

1.5 Explain characteristics of research process.

1.6 Identify ethical considerations in research.

2.1 Explain the methods of science.

2.2 State the aims of science.

2.3 Explain the functions of science.

2.4 Compare science and common sense.

3.1 Explain research design.

3.2 Explain the purpose of research design.

3.3 Explain the principles of research design.

3.4 Identify design criteria.

3.5 Write research proposal

4.1 Define research problem.

4.2 Identify sampling problems.

4.3 Formulate research questions.

4.4 Identify the steps in the evaluation of a research problem.

4.5 State features of researchable problem.

4.6 Critique sample research problem.

5.1 Define hypothesis.

5.2 Define validation.

5.3 Explain specific and general hypothesis.

5.4 Relate hypothesis to problem statement.

5.5 Distinguish between null and alternate hypothesis.

5.6 Explain problem of validation in research

6.1 Define variables

6.2 Explain types of variables.

6.3 Explain consideration for choice of variables.

6.4 List control problems of variables

6.5 Explain the relevance of variables to research.

7.1 Define population.

7.2 Define sample.

7.3 Define representativeness

7.4 Explain types of sampling methods.

7.5 Explain the need for samples

8.1 State the relevance of literature review in research.

8.2 State the sources of literature.

8.3 Explain organization and referencing of literature

9.1 Define research instrument.

9.2 Identify types of research instruments.

9.3 List characteristics of research instruments.

9.4 List pitfalls of various research instruments.

10.1 Define data analysis.

10.2 Explain the tools for data analysis - qualitative and quantitative.

10.3 Explain limitations in each of 10.2 above.

11.1 Define research report.

11.2 Identify the contents of research report.

5. Introduction

6. Methods

7. Analysis

8. Results

9. Discussion

10. Reference

11.3 Explain the importance of accurate presentation of research report.