Advanced Research Techniques– Fall 2023

Prof. Ayoub Loutfi

Course Information
Meeting day and time: Friday, 14h00-16h00.
Course Contents can be accessed through Google Classroom.
Class Code: 5pkfrsm
Course Description/Objectives
The main objective of this course is to introduce students to the techniques of conducting research in social
science. The main major methods introduced are qualitative and quantitative methods. Students will gain
insight into how research is conducted. This includes defining the research problem, formulating research
hypotheses and questions, designing methodology, collecting and analyzing data using the commonly used
statistical techniques (SPSS), and finally report writing using the APA format. By the end of this course,
students will be able to:
• Develop a hypothesis, a research problem, and related research questions.
• Frame the problem with the correct research methodology
• Collect data that accurately addresses the research problem
• Interpret and analyze the collected data using the SPSS
• Structure and format the research paper/thesis
Course Requirements
READINGS: Reading assignments for a given day should be completed before class meetings because the
text will often be used to provide background for lecture topics. Students are encouraged to mention in class
any issues or questions that they may encounter in the readings. Access to supplemental readings will be
provided by the instructor throughout the semester. You are responsible for all readings, whether discussed
in class or not. Our readings will be essentially based on the following coursebooks:
• Creswell, j. W. 2012. Educational Research: Planning, Conducting, and Evaluating Quantitative and
Qualitative Research (4th Ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
• Kothari, C. R. 2004. Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques (2nd Ed). New Age International
Publishers, New Delhi.
• Supplemental readings and materials will be provided by the instructor throughout the semester, as
needed.
CLASS ATTENDANCE: You are responsible for all material presented in class, some of which will not be
available through the textbook alone. If you miss a class for any reason, please make arrangements with a
classmate for determining what you have missed. Consistent class attendance is essential to your success
in this course. Absences alone will not directly lower your grade (i.e., by subtracting points); however,
absences will limit your understanding of the material, and the natural consequence of frequent absences
will be reflected in your performance in the class.
PARTICIPATION: Attend class regularly, ask questions, and participate in in-class activities.
ASSESSMENT: Assessment in this course is based on the assignments described below, the final exam, and
your participation in class. It is important that you attend class regularly since we will be working through
lots of new concepts, data sets, and analyses together.
ASSIGNMENTS: You will be required to submit two assignments:
1. Minor assignment: this consists of summarizing a research paper in your relevant field of study.
2. Major assignment: this consists of writing a research proposal.

1
FINAL EXAM: this will evaluate your overall understanding of the course contents. Therefore, it is based
on both class lectures and the assigned reading materials. The exam will assess your ability to understand,
analyze and apply concepts discussed in this class. The exact format of the exam will be discussed with you
in due course.
Communication and Classroom Policy
Please silence and put away all electronics before class (unless you have prior approval from me to take
notes with a laptop). I will, from time to time, email you with important information. You are responsible
for checking your email and/or Google Classroom regularly to receive these messages.
POLICY ON ACADEMIC (DIS-)HONESTY: Cheating, including plagiarism, will not be tolerated. This
includes copying work from other students or other sources without proper citation and allowing others to
copy from your work. If you are unsure about what constitutes cheating or plagiarism, please don’t be afraid
to ask me. Students are encouraged to work together on homework assignments; however, each student
must turn in his/her own work. If you work with someone else on a homework assignment, write the
names of the individual(s) you worked with on the top of your assignment.
The penalties for academic dishonesty are severe and can include a grade of “0” on an assignment, a failing
grade in the course, or further disciplinary action. Please talk to me if you feel you are struggling in the
course, and we will work together to help you succeed.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR DISABILITIES: If you have a disability that you believe requires an academic
accommodation for participation in this course, you are encouraged to let me know as soon as possible
Weekly Semester Calendar
Weeks Topics Readings
Week 1 Course/Syllabus Overview
Week 2 Basic Concepts Chapter 1: Research Methodology (Kothari, 2004)
Week 3 Research Problem Chapter 2: Identifying a Research Problem (Kreswell,
2012)
Week 4 Literature Review Chapter 3: Reviewing the Literature (Kreswell, 2012)
Week 5 Research Objectives, Questions, Chapter 4: Specifying a Purpose and Research Questions
and Hypotheses or Hypotheses (Kreswell, 2012)
Week 6 Research Design Chapter 4: Research Design (Kothari, 2004)
Week 7 Collecting Quantitative Data Chapter 5: Collecting Quantitative Data (Kreswell, 2012)
Week 8 Collecting Qualitative Data Chapter 7: Collecting Qualitative Data (Kreswell, 2012)
Week 9 Data Analysis Chapter 6: Analyzing and Interpreting Quantitative Data
(Kreswell, 2012)
Chapter 8: Analyzing and Interpreting Qualitative Data
(Kreswell, 2012)
Week 10 Writing up your Research Handouts:
• Avoiding Plagiarism • Plagiarism Types
• APA Citation • APA Format Citation Guide
• BA Template
Week 11 Presenting and Defending your Strategies for Defending a Research Proposal (Kreswell,
Research Proposal 2012)
Week 12 Final Exam Assignments Due

DISCLAIMER: This syllabus represents a road map for the course, but it is subject to change. Any
necessary changes in this syllabus will be announced to the class.