Beykent University

Module Title: Methodology of Social Sciences

Semester:
Module Code: BEMIR 211
Module Leader:
Credit Rating: 3 ECTS: 6
Total Hours Learning Activity: 90
Private Study: 45
Total student contact: 45
Delivery Strategy: Lectures
Pre-requisites:
Aims: This course is a general introduction to social research methods and will cover
four broad topics: the foundations of social science, research design, data collection,
and data analysis. In discussing each topic, we will also consider the ethical
implications of social research. Social research is a craft, and like any other craft, it
takes practice to do it well. Therefore, our approach will be hands-on right from the
start. You will have opportunities to learn by doing in all aspects of the course—in
class meetings, the computer lab, and out-of-class assignments
Learning outcomes: As a result of having completed the requirements of this course,
the student will have demonstrated:(i)An understanding of the scientific process, its
application in the social sciences, and its utilization in the problem-solving approach
to social issues. (ii) Acquisition of skills necessary to the assessment and
interpretation of existing research as a prelude to its use in decision-making in social
work practice. (iii) The capacity to identify information needed to address questions
and problems encountered even in everyday practice situations. (iv) Knowledge and
understanding of the range of research designs and their appropriate utilization.. (v)
Research skills such as conceptualizing a problem, formulating hypotheses and
objectives, designing research strategy, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting both
quantitative and qualitative data, including commonly encountered statistical
procedures.(vi) Skill in defining problems, interventive tasks, and proposed actions
for specific practice situations in a manner that can be observed or measured.(vii)
Understanding of methods to control variation and bias, including factors that can
affect the reliability, validity, and representativeness of the information in the
problem-solving process, particularly as they affect populations-at-risk.(viii) Ability
to identify the value assumptions and the ethical and political dilemmas encountered
by social scientists in their efforts to gather, verify, and utilize knowledge
Outline syllabus:
Welcome to Social Research
The Process of Social Research
Conceptualization and Measurement
Sampling
Causation and Research Design
Experiments and Experimental Thinking
Interviewing
Observation of Behavior
Text Analysis
Indicative references:
1. McQueen Ron and Knussen Christina, Research Methods for Social Science,
Prentice Hall, 2002.
2. William M.K. Troachim, Research Methods Knowledge Base,
http://trochim.human.cornell.edu/kb/
3. Ghauri Pervez and GrØnhaug Kjell, Research Methods in Business Studies: A
Practical Guide, Financial Times Prentice Hall, 2002

BEMIR 211 Methodology of Social Sciences

Week Subject
Week 1 Welcome to Social Research
Week 2 The Process of Social Research
Week 2 The Process of Social Research
Week 3 Conceptualization and Measurement
Week 4 Conceptualization and Measurement
Week 4 Sampling
Week 5 Causation and Research Design
Week 6 Causation and Research Design
Week 7 Experiments and Experimental Thinking
Week 8 Experiments and Experimental Thinking
Week 9 Interviewing
Week 10 Observation of Behavior
Week 11 Text Analysis
Week 12 Revision