Course Outline

Course Title: Research Methods and Term Paper Writing

Course Code: ENG-601

Credit Hours: 3(3-0)

Course Contents

Introduction to Research

• The Wh-Questions of Research (What? Why? Who? Where? How?)
• Research Process Overview

Research Methods

• Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Method Research
• Types of Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Thinking Like a Researcher

• Understanding Concepts, Constructs, Variables, and Definitions

Problems and Hypotheses

• Defining the Research Problem
• Formulation of the Research Hypotheses

Reviewing Literature

• Importance of Literature Review
• Strategies for Effective Literature Review

Data Collection, Processing, and Analysis

• Methods of Data Collection
• Data Processing Techniques
• Data Analysis Approaches

Understanding Different Types of Academic Writing

• Difference Between Research Paper, Thesis, and Book Writing
• Parts of a Synopsis

Research Ethics and Plagiarism

• Ethical Considerations in Research
• Avoiding Plagiarism

Research Paper Formatting

• MLA and APA Formatting Styles

Assessment Criteria

• 40% Marks – Exams
• 60% Marks – Practical Work, including:
  • Quizzes
  • Class Performance
  • Assignments
  • Exercises
  • Practical Activities
  • Final Term Paper/Synopsis Writing
  • Mock Thesis

Recommended Books

• Bhattacherjee, Anol. (2012). Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practices. University of South Florida.
• Bryman, Alan & Bell, Emma (2011). Business Research Methods (Third Edition). Oxford University Press.
• Chawla, Deepak & Sondhi, Neena (2011). Research Methodology: Concepts and Cases. Vikas Publishing House Pvt. Ltd., Delhi.
• Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th Ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Kerlinger, F.N., & Lee, H.B. (2000). Foundations of Behavioural Research (Fourth Edition). Harcourt Inc.
• Rubin, Allen & Babbie, Earl (2009). Essential Research Methods for Social Work. Cengage Learning Inc., USA.
• Pawar, B.S. (2009). Theory Building for Hypothesis Specification in Organizational Studies. Response Books, New Delhi.
• Neuman, W.L. (2008). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Pearson Education.
• Walliman, Nicholas. (2001). Your Research Project. Sage Publications.