First Semester

Research Methods and Field Course

Course outline

Topic 1. Introduction to Research Method

a.      Definitions

b.      Types of research

c.       Research design

Topic 2. Writing academic research proposal

a.      Identifying research problem

b.      Format for academic research proposal

c.       Writing the sections of a research proposal

Topic 3. Introduction to data collection techniques (Sampling)

a.      Definitions

b.      Data collection approaches –

PRA, Questionnaires, key informant interviews, group interviews

c.       Non probability sampling

Topic 4. Data collection techniques

a.      Probability sampling

b.      Sample size

Topic 5. Data analysis - descriptive statistics

a.      Definitions

b.      Graphical distribution of data, grouped scores, frequency distributions

Topic 6. Data analysis – descriptive statistics

a.      Graphic presentation of data

b.      Distribution and variability

Topic 7. Data analysis - inferential statistics

a.      Definition

b.      Basic probability rules

c.       Types of distributions

Topic 8. Hypothesis testing

a.      Hypothesis testing

b.      Probability values and Hypothesis testing

c.       Computers in data analysis and presentation

Topic 9. Data analysis

a.      Data analysis methods:- correlation analysis, regression and prediction, Multivariate analysis, Analysis of Variance, Nonparametric analysis.

Topic 10. Writing and presenting Scientific reports

a.      Types of reports

b.      Format and sections of scientific reports and posters

c.       Referencing

Topic 11. Presentation of scientific reports

a.      Spread sheets

b.      Power point presentations

c.       posters

Topics 12 and 13

a.      Students will visit different ecological zones in Kenya. Resource persons will lead in discussions on various environments visited, students will be given assignments to collect data, carry out simple analyses of collected data, discuss and report as part of field report.

 

Purpose the of course

The course aims at preparing candidates for Thesis and independent Research and at exposing students to different ecological zones in Kenya. The field course also aims at giving candidates hands-on experience in identifying environmental problems.

Expected learning outcomes of the course

At the end of the course, the candidate is expected to be able to:

1.      Define and describe different types of research;

2.      Differentiate between descriptive and inferential statistics and know when to apply each in research

3.      Able to select and apply appropriate sampling methods in research;

4.      Apply different statistical methods of data analyses and presentation

5.      Have skills in Thesis and other types of scientific reports

6.      Have knowledge on diversity of Kenya’s ecological landscape

7.      Be able to independently carry out sampling, analysis and preparation of scientific report.

 

Mode of delivery

Lectures, tutorials, e-learning, Library-based assignments, written assessment tests, visits to different ecological zones of Kenya for research problems appraisal.

Instructional materials and/or equipment

Books, Hand outs, projector, Chalk/white board, computer.

 

Course assessment

Type of assessment                                                             Weight (%)

Continuous assessments (written tests and Field reports)          40%                          

End of semester exams                                                                     60%                          

Total                                                                                                  100%

Core reading materials for the course

1.      Bluman, A.G. (2004). Elementary statistics. A step by step approach. Mc Graw Hill.

2.      Iarossi, G. (2006). The power of survey design. A user’s guide for managing surveys, interpreting results, and influencing respondents. The World Bank, Washington, D.C.

3.      Kothari, C.R. (2004). Research Methodology. Methods and techniques. 2^nd Edition. New International Publishers

4.      Mcdaniel, C, Jr. and Gates, R. (2006). Marketing research essentials. 5^th Edition. John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

Recommended reference Materials

1.      Swan, A.R.H. and Sandilands, M. (1995). Introduction to geological data analysis. Blackwell science.

2.      McKinney, M.L., Schoch, R.M. and Yonavjak, L. (2007). Environmental Science: Systems and Solutions. 4^th Edition.  Jones & Bartlett Publishers.

3.      Walpole, R.E. (1982). “Introduction to Statistics”, 3^rd Ed., Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc. New York.

4.      Muhammad, F. (2005). “Statistical Methods and Data Analysis”, Kitab Markaz, Bhawana Bazar Faisalabad.