This subject provides a general introduction to the field of research methodology, enabling students to read, understand and evaluate research in education, psychology, health sciences and related fields, and provides sufficient background knowledge for students to make rational choices among the research areas (humanities, experimental, survey and naturalistic) in which they can develop specialised research skills. Different research strategies will be examined, with the focus on the nature of the discipline which guides the inquiry. Other ways of classifying research will be considered, including basic and applied, decision and conclusion-oriented research. Students will be given guidance in writing research proposals and reports, in conducting literature reviews, and in using systematic methods of searching and integrating literature on their chosen research areas. Skills will be developed in using the microcomputer to conduct simple statistical analyses of data, for wordprocessing and organising information. Consideration will be given to ethical issues.
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