Brief description of aims and content
Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
Various qualitative and quantitative methods in research
How to compute, evaluate and analyze qualitative and quantitative data
Application of scientific research methods and techniques in dealing with modern business issues, soil and agricultural sciences
Training students in the art of conceptualization of research problems,
Collection and analysis of data and writing of reports with a focus on problem oriented business research in Rwanda
This module also introduces the techniques of conducting research thought, being equipped with mechanisms of data collection, analysis, presentation, writing and reporting. Techniques which are both qualitative and quantitative in nature are vital if results presented are to be evaluated.
Learning Outcomes
i) Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:
- Solve soil problems using various statistical formulas and probability theories
- Solve social problems using various statistical formulas and probability theories
- Apply different formulas in solving decision making related social problems.
- Apply different formulas in solving decision making related soil sciences problems
v. Define research problem and formulate research questions and hypothesis
vi. By the end of the module students should be also able to apply research methodology and undertake empirical research proposal that will be part of the requirement for the completion of the Bachelors' degree.
The course is divided into two main components such as (1)Introduction to research methodology and (2) statistics and probability
Component 1. Introduction to research methodology
Chap 1: Introduction
Chap 2: Defining the Research Problem
Chap 3: Research Design
Chap 4: Sampling Design
Chap5: Methods of Data Collection
Chap 6: Presentation and Analysis of Data and Interpretation and Report Writing
Component 2.Statistics and probability
Chapter1: Introduction to statistics and quantitative methods
Chapter 2: descriptive statistics
Chapter 3: Probability: Basic Terminology, three types of probability, Rules of probability under conditions of statistical independence and dependence
Chapter 4: Probability distribution: Random variables, expected value in decision making, binomial
Chapter 5: Sampling and sampling distributions
Chapter 6: estimation and hypothesis testing.
Learning and Teaching Strategy
After each theory presented, complete examples and exercises will be given
- The students will solve exercises at the end of each chapter in group works and the lecturer will be supervising them.