This course deals with applicable tools in Blue Economy research. The module has four components. The first component deals with the theoretical and philosophical knowledge, which form the basis for making key methodological decisions in social research. It also includes the techniques and stages involved in proposal writing. The remaining components expose students to quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis and Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing (GIS/RS). In line with these students would be engaged in hands-on training with relevant qualitative and quantitative software.
Objective
This course seeks to help students to:
- demonstrate skills in writing research proposals,
- perform univariate and multivariate analysis,
- apply analytical techniques to specific types of qualitative data,
- use GIS/RS software packages to develop maps and perform spatial analysis.
Content
The students will be exposed to the types, approaches and designs involved in conducting social research. Further, this module covers the stages and techniques of proposal writing. Specifically, the module discusses the various data collection techniques in social research (Questionnaire, In-depth Interview, Focus Group Discussion, Observation etc.), laying emphasis on the levels of measurement. Students will learn to use statistical and econometric software packages such as STATA and R to analyse quantitative data through hypothesis testing, linear models, generalized linear models, non-linear dependent variables, times series and panel models as well as drawing inferences from relevant data. Further, the module exposes students to the various types and processes of qualitative research analysis. It will highlight typical qualitative analytic strategies including constant comparative analysis, narrative analysis and phenomenological analysis. It also teaches students the methods in organizing qualitative data into themes. Students will be taught content analysis and the use of qualitative data analysis software such as Nvivo and QSR. Finally, the module will provide practical training to students in the application of GIS/RS to spatial data analysis.
Mode of Delivery
The mode of delivery of the course would take the form of face-to-face lectures, online lectures, seminars, class presentations, hands-on exercises and case studies.