Duration: 40 hours (5 days)
Number of Participants: 15-20
Pre-requisite: Master’s degree in social science or any other relevant discipline. Background in social science research will be an asset.
Instructors:
Dr. Dirgha Ghimire, Research Associate Professor, University of Michigan
Dr. Prem Bhandari, Senior Research Scientist, ISER-N
Ms. Rija Manandhar, Research Officer, ISER-N
Mr. Binoj K. Shrestha, Research Associate, ISER-N
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of different research methods commonly used in social and environmental research. Broad topics include: (a) Archival Research; (b) Ethnographic Research; (c) Survey Research; and (d) Environmental/Spatial Research. Under each method, specific topics include: social science as science; theory and research; question formulation and research design; measurement issues; methods and techniques of data collection, instrument design, data analysis, and report writing. Ethics in social research will also be discussed.
This interactive course uses a combination of lecture, in-class exercises, group exercises and individual participation. Individual consultation will be provided to assist participants with the assignments leading to a grant proposal.
Assignments throughout the week should be emailed or handed in a shard copy the day they are due. Feedback will be provided in a timely manner to aid in future assignments.
Upon completion of this course, participants will:
- Understand strength and weakness of each of the research methods.
- Learn to choose appropriate research method to answer specific research question.