Course Overview:
This professional online course is tailored for academics, PhD students, and professors who seek to enhance their understanding and application of research methods in economics and social sciences. The course covers a comprehensive range of methodologies, from foundational principles to advanced techniques, ensuring participants are well-equipped to conduct rigorous and impactful research.
Course Objectives:
Understand various research methodologies used in economics and social sciences.
Develop skills to design and implement research projects.
Analyze and interpret data using appropriate research methods.
Write and present research findings effectively.
Target Audience:
Academics in economics, sociology, political science, and related fields.
PhD students engaged in or planning research projects.
Professors and researchers aiming to refine their research skills.
Course Structure: The course is divided into six modules, each comprising lectures, readings, assignments, and practical exercises. Participants will engage with video lectures, interactive tutorials, and peer discussions.
Module 1: Introduction to Research Methods
Week 1: Foundations of Research in Economics and Social Sciences
Understanding the scientific method and research paradigms.
Differences between qualitative and quantitative research.
Week 2: Research Design and Planning
Formulating research questions and hypotheses.
Designing a research study: exploratory, descriptive, causal, and experimental designs.
Readings:
"Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches" by John W. Creswell and J. David Creswell.
"The Craft of Research" by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams.
Module 2: Qualitative Research Methods
Week 3: Qualitative Data Collection Techniques
Interviews, focus groups, and ethnography.
Case study research and grounded theory.
Week 4: Qualitative Data Analysis
Coding and thematic analysis.
Using software tools for qualitative analysis (e.g., NVivo, ATLAS.ti).
Readings:
"Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences" by Bruce L. Berg and Howard Lune.
"Constructing Grounded Theory" by Kathy Charmaz.
Module 3: Quantitative Research Methods
Week 5: Survey Research and Sampling Techniques
Designing and administering surveys.
Probability and non-probability sampling methods.
Week 6: Statistical Analysis
Descriptive and inferential statistics.
Hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and p-values.
Readings:
"Quantitative Social Science: An Introduction" by Kosuke Imai.
"Statistics for Business and Economics" by Paul Newbold, William L. Carlson, and Betty Thorne.
Module 4: Econometric Methods and Data Analysis
Week 7: Introduction to Econometrics
Basics of econometric analysis and regression models.
Assumptions of the classical linear regression model.
Week 8: Advanced Econometric Techniques
Time series analysis, panel data models, and instrumental variables.
Handling issues of endogeneity, heteroskedasticity, and autocorrelation.
Readings:
"Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach" by Jeffrey M. Wooldridge.
"Econometric Analysis" by William H. Greene.
Module 5: Mixed Methods and Advanced Techniques
Week 9: Mixed Methods Research
Integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Designing mixed methods studies.
Week 10: Advanced Statistical Techniques
Structural equation modeling (SEM) and multilevel modeling (MLM).
Machine learning applications in social sciences.
Readings:
"Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research" by John W. Creswell and Vicki L. Plano Clark.
"An Introduction to Multilevel Modeling Techniques" by Ronald H. Heck and Scott L. Thomas.
Module 6: Research Ethics, Writing, and Presentation
Week 11: Research Ethics and Integrity
Ethical considerations in research.
Ensuring validity, reliability, and replicability.
Week 12: Writing and Presenting Research
Structuring a research paper or thesis.
Effective presentation of research findings.
Readings:
"Writing for Social Scientists: How to Start and Finish Your Thesis, Book, or Article" by Howard S. Becker.
"The Elements of Style" by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White.
Assessment and Certification:
Assignments:
Weekly problem sets and practical exercises.
Mid-term project involving a research proposal or literature review.
Final Project:
Comprehensive research project on a topic of choice, incorporating qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods.
Presentation and peer review.
Certification:
Participants who complete all modules, assignments, and the final project will receive a certificate of completion.
Course Delivery:
The course will be delivered through a combination of pre-recorded video lectures, live Q&A sessions, interactive tutorials, and discussion forums.
All course materials, including readings, software guides, and lecture slides, will be available online.
Instructor:
The course will be led by a team of experienced researchers and professors with extensive expertise in research methods.
Enrollment:
Participants can enroll through the university’s online learning platform.
Enrollment will be open to individuals with a foundational knowledge in economics and social sciences.
By the end of this course, participants will have a thorough understanding of various research methodologies and be equipped with the skills to design, conduct, and present rigorous research in economics and social sciences.