Course Contents

Overview of Fundamentals of Research Methodology A brief Review of Basic Concepts of Research, Formulation of Research Problems and Steps of Research, Research Design and Formulation of Hypothesis, Sampling Methods and Techniques, Properties of Data Collection and Measurement and Methods of Primary Data Collection Review of Basic Statistical Measures A review application of Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Dispersion / Variation and Measures of Skewness / Asymmetry Sampling and Sample Size Estimation Sample, Population, Sampling frame, Sampling Distributions, Sampling: Probability and Non- Probability Sampling, and Sample Size Estimation Analysis of Economic Data a. Quantitative Analysis of Economic Data Statistical Inference Hypothesis Testing, Analysis of Variance and Covariance: ANOVA, ANOCOVA and MANOVA, and Hypothesis Testing for Categorical Data: Chi-Square Test Multivariate Analysis i. A Review of Basic Multivariate Analysis Regression and Correlations Analysis, Stepwise Multiple Regression, Forced- Multiple Regression, Regression with Dummy Variables, Regression with Time Lags, Univariate Time Series Analysis: ARIMA, Forecasting ii. Advanced Multivariate Analysis Factor Analysis: R-type and Q-type Factor Analyses, Discriminant Analysis, Cluster Analysis b. Qualitative Analysis of Economic Data Data Reduction, Data Display, Drawing Conclusions, Reliability and Validity in Qualitative Research, Content Analysis and Narrative Analysis Writing a Research Report /Paper Title Page, Abstract, Introduction, Data Sources and Research Methodology, Results and their Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendations, References and Appendices

Course Synopsis

The aim of this course is to develop the ability of the students to carry out practical quantitative research. The course covers the collection and handling of primary data, the quantitative analysis of secondary source data including multivariate analyses. The statistical and econometric techniques considered within the course can be applied using software SPSS or EViews or Microfit or Stata. A term paper based on academic research is also required from the students. The paper must utilize the advanced research methods in economics that were taught during the semester. The paper constitutes 25 percent of final grade.

Course Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this course students are expected to:  apprehend the importance of research for an economy and a society in general.  acquire skills for identification of appropriate research problem and parameters.  identify various sources of information for data collection and literature review.  develop a good research proposal for thesis.  develop an understanding of various research designs and techniques.  to execute well-organized research under supervision in an area of their selection.  understand the ethical dimensions of conducting research.  equip with skills for writing a quality research report/thesis.