RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Paper Code: 
ENV 422
Credits: 
5
Contact Hours: 
75.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This course will enable the students to -

  1. Familiarize students with basic of research and the research process
  2. Impart knowledge for enabling students to develop data analytics skills and meaningful interpretation to the data sets so as to solve research problem

Course Outcomes (COs):

Course

Learning outcomes

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment

Strategies

Paper Code

Paper Title

ENV 422

 

Research Methodology

Upon completion of this course, student will:

CO109:  Illustrate different types of research, objectives of doing research, research process, and sampling

CO110:  Devise the process for designing a research study from its inception to its report

CO111:  Develop a range of skills involved in formulating a research proposal including framing research questions, reviewing the literature and choosing appropriate methodologies for different types of study

CO112:   Adapt a range of quantitative and qualitative research designs used in environmental research and identify the advantages and disadvantages associated with these designs.

CO113: Integrate appropriate hypothesis testing procedures to analyze the research data

CO114:  Develop skills of data analysis-and hypothesis testing procedures for critically analyzing the data

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Group Discussions, Case studies, Computer aided instructions, tutorials

Learning activities for the students:

Problem solving, concept formation, assigned questions, simulations, surveys

Quiz, Assignment

Tutorials, Class test, Assignments

Semester End Examination

 

13.00
Unit I: 
Introduction to Research
  • Meaning and Objectives of Research
  • Types of research
  • Research approaches
  • Social research- Concept, objectives and Importance
  • Qualities of a good research worker (general and specific)
  • Criteria of a good research
  • Problems encountered by researchers in India
  • Research Process (Basic steps)

 

15.00
Unit II: 
Data Collection and Sampling
  • Steps in Sample Design
  • Criteria of selecting sampling procedure
  • Types of Sample Design: probability and non-probability sampling
  • Methods of Data Collection:
    • Observation Method: types, merits and limitations
    • Interview:  types, merits and limitations
    • Questionnaire: main aspects of questionnaire, essentials of a good questionnaire, merits and limitations
    • Schedule

 

16.00
Unit III: 
Statistical Analysis
  • Measurement Scales: Ordinal, Interval, Ratio and Nominal
  • Classification of data: Objectives and types of classification
  • Frequency Distributions: Cumulative and Relative
  • Graphical presentation of data- Histogram, Frequency Polygon, Frequency curve and Ogives
  • Measure of Central Tendency- Mean, Median, Mode & their properties, merits and demerits.
  • Measure of Dispersion- Range, Quartile Deviation, Mean Deviation and standard deviation
14.00
Unit IV: 
Correlation and Regression
  • Correlation Analysis- Definition and concept, Significance and types of correlation, properties of correlation coefficient
  • Measures of studying correlation
    • Karl Pearson’s coefficient of correlation, its assumptions, properties, merits and demerits
    • Spearman’s Rank correlation coefficient
  • Regression Analysis-Concept, uses, Regression Coefficients, Regression Equations, Fitting of Regression lines    

 

17.00
Unit V: 
Biometrics
  • Basics of Sampling Distribution and Standard Error
  • Element of Testing a Statistical Hypothesis- Formulation of the problem, Types of errors. Level of significance, large sample test for single mean, difference in two means, single proportions, difference in two proportions.
  • Small sample test- Application of Student’s t- test for small sample for single mean, difference in two means (independent and paired-t test).
  • Chi-square test for independence of attributes.
  • Analysis of Variance- Concept of ANOVA, its assumptions, Basic idea of one-way and two-way classification with simple questions

 

Essential Readings: 
  • Fisher, R. A. (2007). Statistical Methods for Research Workers. New Delhi:Cosmo Publications.
  • Gupta, S. P. (2009).Fundamentals of Statistical Methods. Sultan Chand & Sons
  • Kothari, C. R. (2004).Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques.New Age International Publishers.
  • Montogomery, D. C. (2001). Design and Analysis of Experiments. John Wiley
  • Norman, G. R. and Streiner, D.L.(2008). The Bare Essentials 3/E (Biostatistics: The Bare Essentials Biostatistics. Mcgraw-hill Medical.

 

Academic Year: