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Athanasia Lampraki and Evangelia Katsikea

This course focuses on research methodologies. In this vein, the focus will be placed on qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, sampling approaches, and primary and secondary data collection. The course begins with a discussion on qualitative research approaches, looking at focus groups, personal interviews, ethnography, case studies and action research. We will also discuss quantitative research methods with a focus on experimental research design and survey methodology. There will be an exploration of the sampling design process and different sampling approaches, including probability and non-probability sampling as well as sample size and non-response issues. We will look at the nature and scope of primary and secondary data, and the importance of measurement. We will look at the role of the Internet in market research as well as non-comparative scaling techniques. The course ends with a discussion on different data collection approaches, with a focus on observation, content analysis, narrative research, phenomenology, and the collection of data using ethnography.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1
This week begins with a discussion on qualitative research approaches, looking at focus groups, personal interviews, ethnography, case study and action research. The week ends with a discussion of quantitative research methods with a focus on experimental research design and survey methodology.
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Week 2
The week begins with a discussion on the sampling design process and continues with different sampling approaches, including probability and non-probability sampling. The week ends with a discussion on sample size and non-response issues.
Week 3
The week begins with a discussion of the nature and scope of secondary data and continues with a discussion of primary data and the importance of measurement. The week ends with the role of the Internet in market research and a discussion about non-comparative scaling techniques.
Week 4
The week starts a discussion on different data collection approaches with a focus on observation, case study and content analysis. The week continues with a focus on narrative research, phenomenology and the action research project. The week ends with a discussion of collecting data using ethnography.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Best served as a refresher for those already familiar with the subject matter
Imparts a collection of foundational skills for market research
Covers both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
Provides a comprehensive overview of the research design process
Taught by experienced instructors in the field
Offered by a reputable provider

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Research Methodologies with these activities:
Review statistics and hypothesis testing
Solidify your understanding of statistics and hypothesis testing prior to taking this course on research methodologies to strengthen your comprehension of the lesson's material.
Browse courses on Hypothesis Testing
Show steps
  • Review an introduction to concepts of statistics.
  • Practice hypothesis testing techniques.
Qualitative Research Tutorials
Following tutorials on qualitative research methods can help you develop a strong foundation in this area and prepare you for the course material.
Browse courses on Qualitative Research
Show steps
  • Identify reputable resources for tutorials.
  • Choose tutorials that cover the specific qualitative research methods discussed in the course.
  • Work through the tutorials carefully, taking notes and practicing the techniques.
Quantitative Research Tutorials
Following tutorials on quantitative research methods can help you develop a strong foundation in this area and prepare you for the course material.
Browse courses on Quantitative Research
Show steps
  • Identify reputable resources for tutorials.
  • Choose tutorials that cover the specific quantitative research methods discussed in the course.
  • Work through the tutorials carefully, taking notes and practicing the techniques.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Read 'Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches''
To reinforce concepts and approaches explained in the course, review key points from this introductory research design text.
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  • Read chapters 1 through 6
Solve sampling design problems
Increase your proficiency in sampling design by attempting practice problems that will help you master the concepts discussed in the lectures.
Browse courses on Sampling Design
Show steps
  • Attempt 10 practice problems on probability sampling
  • Attempt 10 practice problems on non-probability sampling
Create a mind map of qualitative and quantitative research methods
To strengthen your understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods, visually organize the key concepts and differences between these two research approaches using mind mapping.
Browse courses on Research Methods
Show steps
  • Review notes on qualitative and quantitative research methods
  • Create a mind map of the key concepts
Participate in peer discussion forums
To enhance your understanding of the theory and application of research methodologies, actively participate in peer discussion forums dedicated to the course content.
Show steps
  • Read discussion prompts on different research topics
  • Share your insights and questions
  • Respond to at least two peer comments
Organize and summarize your notes
Improve your retention and comprehension of the concepts covered in the course by organizing and summarizing your notes after each module.
Show steps
  • Consolidate lecture notes and materials
  • Identify and highlight key points
  • Condense notes into summaries
Contribute to the 'Methodology Research' repository on GitHub
Engage in hands-on application of research methods by contributing to the open-source 'Methodology Research' repository on GitHub, where you can share and collaborate on research projects in the field.
Show steps
  • Identify an area within the repository where you can contribute
  • Fork the repository and create a new branch
  • Make your contributions and follow the repository's contribution guidelines
Attend a workshop on qualitative research methods
Deepen your understanding and practical knowledge of qualitative research methods by attending a workshop focused on this subject.
Browse courses on Qualitative Research
Show steps
  • Research and identify a relevant workshop
  • Attend the workshop and actively engage in the activities

Career center

Learners who complete Research Methodologies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Market Researcher
Market Researchers use quantitative and qualitative data to understand the needs of consumers and businesses. This course provides a solid foundation in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, which would be highly valuable to someone in this role. The course's emphasis on data collection techniques is particularly relevant, since Market Researchers must be able to collect and analyze data from a variety of sources.
UX Researcher
UX Researchers use research methods to understand the needs of users and improve the user experience of products and services. This course will help you develop the skills you need to conduct user research, including qualitative and quantitative methods. You will also learn about sampling approaches and data collection techniques, which are essential for UX Researchers.
Survey Researcher
Survey Researchers use surveys to collect data from a population. This course will help you develop the skills you need to design, conduct, and analyze surveys. You will learn about quantitative research methods, as well as sampling approaches and data collection techniques.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts use research methods to understand business needs and develop solutions. This course will help you develop the skills you need to conduct business analysis, including qualitative and quantitative methods. You will also learn about sampling approaches and data collection techniques, which are essential for Business Analysts.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts use data to solve problems and make decisions. This course will help you develop the skills you need to collect, analyze, and interpret data. You will learn about quantitative and qualitative research methods, as well as sampling approaches and data collection techniques. This course may be particularly helpful if you are interested in using data to improve business outcomes.
Public Health Researcher
Public Health Researchers use research methods to improve the health of populations. This course will help you develop the skills you need to conduct public health research, including qualitative and quantitative methods. You will also learn about sampling approaches and data collection techniques, which are essential for Public Health Researchers.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists use research methods to investigate the causes and spread of disease. This course will help you develop the skills you need to conduct epidemiological research, including qualitative and quantitative methods. You will also learn about sampling approaches and data collection techniques, which are essential for Epidemiologists.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts use research methods to inform policy decisions. This course will help you develop the skills you need to conduct policy analysis, including qualitative and quantitative methods. You will also learn about sampling approaches and data collection techniques, which are essential for Policy Analysts.
Social Worker
Social Workers use research methods to understand the needs of clients and develop solutions. This course will help you develop the skills you need to conduct social work research, including qualitative and quantitative methods. You will also learn about sampling approaches and data collection techniques, which are essential for Social Workers.
Nonprofit Program Manager
Nonprofit Program Managers use research methods to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services. This course will help you develop the skills you need to conduct program evaluation, including qualitative and quantitative methods. You will also learn about sampling approaches and data collection techniques, which are essential for Nonprofit Program Managers.
Teacher
Teachers use research methods to improve their teaching practices. This course will help you develop the skills you need to conduct educational research, including qualitative and quantitative methods. You will also learn about sampling approaches and data collection techniques, which are essential for Teachers.
Sociologist
Sociologists often rely on qualitative research in their studies of society. This course will help you cultivate qualitative research skills, such as conducting focus groups and carrying out ethnographies, which may be helpful in this role. You will also develop proficiency in sampling approaches and data collection, which are highly relevant to sociology.
Anthropologist
Anthropologists use research methods to study human societies and cultures. This course will help you develop the skills you need to conduct anthropological research, including qualitative and quantitative methods. You will also learn about sampling approaches and data collection techniques, which are essential for Anthropologists.
Journalist
Journalists use research methods to gather information for their stories. This course will help you develop the skills you need to conduct journalistic research, including qualitative and quantitative methods. You will also learn about sampling approaches and data collection techniques, which are essential for Journalists.
Librarian
Librarians use research methods to help patrons find information. This course will help you develop the skills you need to conduct library research, including qualitative and quantitative methods. You will also learn about sampling approaches and data collection techniques, which are essential for Librarians.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Research Methodologies.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of qualitative research methods. While this course does not cover all the topics in this handbook, it can serve as a useful reference for students interested in learning more about qualitative research.
Can be used as a course supplement to learn how to develop a strong research proposal. It is recommended as additional reading for this course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of measurement in the social sciences. It useful reference tool for students and researchers who are interested in learning more about measurement theory and practice.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the use of the Internet in market research. It useful reference tool for students and researchers who are interested in learning more about online research methods.
Can be used as a course supplement to learn how to write and publish academic articles. It is recommended as additional reading for this course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods in education. While this course is not in the field of education, this book can serve as a useful reference for students interested in research methods.
Provides a comprehensive overview of content analysis in social research. It useful reference tool for students and researchers who are interested in learning more about content analysis methods.
Provides a comprehensive overview of observation in social research. It useful reference tool for students and researchers who are interested in learning more about observational methods.
Provides a comprehensive overview of phenomenology in social research. It useful reference tool for students and researchers who are interested in learning more about phenomenological research methods.
Provides a comprehensive overview of action research. It useful reference tool for students and researchers who are interested in learning more about action research methods.

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