Course Title: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN PYCHOLOGY Credit Units: 4

L T P/ SW/F TOTAL
Course Level: PG Course Code: S W CREDIT
UNITS
3 1 0 0 4
Course Objectives:

a) To introduce the basic principles of Research Methodology.

b) To discuss in-detail the sampling, data collection, analysis of data and report writing
c) To equip students with skills of various methods and techniques for scientific conduct of social science research

Pre-requisites:

Course Contents/Syllabus:
Weightage (%)
Module I: Introduction to Research Methodology 15%

 Introduction to research methodology in social sciences

 Objectives of social scientific research
 Steps in research(including synopsis and report writing)
 Double blind procedures.
 Research Design: experimental and Non – experimental, quasi-experimental design, cross- sectional .
 Types of research: Experimental research; Survey research; Expost-facto research, Case study and research
based on documentation

Module II: Problem, Hypotheses and Research Design
15%

 What is a Research Problem? ,Selecting the Problem ,Necessity of Defining the Problem Technique Involved in
  Defining a Problem Hypothesis: definition, concept and types
 Research design in exploratory, descriptive and casual research

Module III: Sampling 20%

 Concept, definition, Steps in Sampling Design ,Criteria of Selecting a Sampling Procedure

 Characteristics of a Good Sample Design ,
 Different Types of Sample and Sample Designs

Module IV: Tools in data collection

20%
 Case study
 Survey
 Rating Scale
 Observation
 Interview
 Standardized psychometric tools

Module V: Reliability, Validity and Tool Construction 20%

 Concept of reliability and types

 Concept of validity and types
 Steps in tool construction
 Item difficulty, Item discrimination
 Norm development

Module VI: Qualitative Research 10%

 Difference between qualitative and quantitative Research
 In-depth interviewing, case study, Ethnography, grounded theory, focus group, conversation analysis.
 Content analysis and Thematic Analysis

Student Learning Outcomes:

 On completion of the course the student will be able to understand, participate and conduct various steps involved in research.
 Differential understanding of appropriate techniques to be used in various types of scientific research in social sciences.
Pedagogy for Course Delivery: Lecture, Case presentation, Audio-visual

Assessment/ Examination Scheme:

Theory L/T (%) Lab/Practical/Studio (%) End Term Examination

30% NA 70%

Theory Assessment (L&T):

Continuous Assessment/Internal Assessment End Term
Examination
Components (Drop
down) Class Test HA1 Presentation Attendance
Weightage (%)
10% 10% 5% 5% 70%

Texts:

 Kerlinger, F.,( 1983), Foundations of Behavioural Research, Surjeet Publications, Delhi

References:

 Katz, and Kahn, (1979). Research in Behavioural Sciences, Methuen, USA

 Smith, Jonathan, A. (Ed.) (2003) – Qualitative Psychology: A Practical Guide to Research Methods, Sage Publications.