This course will expose students to the philosophy of research and various approaches in social research including health research. While students learn the theory in terms of research approaches they are also able to put theory to practice and develop the necessary skills they need to have, to enable students to approach and engage in research in a systematic way. Both quantitative methods and qualitative methods will be covered, dealing with theoretical approaches and views to practical issues in research utilizing these methods, and analysis. Discipline-specific research methods will also be covered and can be treated at more in-depth levels through work-shop style sessions. The practical component of the course encourages students to select research methods, variables and how to measure selected variables, using a choice of quantitative or qualitative methods, or a combination of the two. Computing and analytical skills will also be strengthened through a number of workshops. Students will learn to develop research statements, write a literature review, write a review article, and prepare a full research proposal. Students acquire hands-on experience in conducting social research from the conception of a research idea, through to the presentation of its findings. This will make students mindful of pitfalls to watch out for when doing their own Masters research project, or other research exercises.
To achieve this, you will study:
• The Science of Research- The philosophical framework of Research Designs:
Quantitative and Qualitative- Investigating Health Services and Health – The scope of Research- Research Statement and Research Proposal- Hypothesis and Research question Formulation- Research Approaches- Measurement Tool and Instruments- Analysis in Applied research
• Application of Research- Statistical Tools in Research- Writing in research- Writing for a Scientific Journal
- Teacher: Eunice Okyere