POL6001 Advanced Research MethodsBahçeşehir UniversityDegree Programs PSYCHOLOGYGeneral Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy StatementNational QualificationsBologna Commission
PSYCHOLOGY
Bachelor TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code Course Name Semester Theoretical Practical Credit ECTS
POL6001 Advanced Research Methods Fall 3 0 3 9
This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction: English
Type of course: Non-Departmental Elective
Course Level: Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery: Face to face
Course Coordinator : Assoc. Prof. ESRA ALBAYRAKOĞLU
Course Lecturer(s): Prof. Dr. YILMAZ ESMER
Recommended Optional Program Components: none
Course Objectives: The course will attempt to answer the questions on the neutrality and the difficulties of research. Attempting to answer those questions and the various issues underlying them is the primary objective of the course. This will be achieved through combining a theoretical and practical approach to the study of qualitative methodology.
The second objective of the course is to explore both the “hows” or research and, at the same time, examine the underlying assumptions and values of qualitative research practices.
The third and overarching objective of this course is to examine not only how one goes about “doing” those aspects of one’s work but also delve into a variety of ethical, epistemological, ontological and methodological issues, as well as improving critical thinking and increasing methodological knowledge inherent in that “doing.”

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
Increased awareness of ethnographic work, including conceptualizing a study, observations, interviewing, analysis, and textualization.
 To learn to attend to the politics of what we do and do not do (as researchers).
 Increase critical thinking skills. Demonstrate this by seriously considering multiple viewpoints and perspectives in class discussions, in-class writing, group work, and the
final paper.
 Apply course material to your own research. Demonstrate this through participation in in-class discussions and activities, and in applying course concepts to class assignments.
 Become active in the process of seeking, analyzing, and synthesizing information.

Course Content

In the last two decades, emerging theories in qualitative research have drawn attention to the complexities inherent in research.
In light of these theories, research can no longer be regarded unproblematic, objective, or value free, where data is neutrally and naturally collected, interpreted and textualized by disinterested researchers. Rather, research methodology has become a problematized and contested terrain depicting a double crisis of representation and legitimation. What is (and why) this double crisis? And what implications might it have for the field of qualitative research and for the researcher working (in) that field?

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) An Introduction to Inquiry Academic Articles and related books
2) Measurement of Abstract Concepts Academic Articles and related books
3) Measurement of Abstract Concepts Academic Articles and related books
4) Observation, Sampling Academic Articles and related books
5) Observation, Sampling Academic Articles and related books
6) Observation, Sampling Academic Articles and related books
7) Quantitative Design and Analysis Academic Articles and related books
8) Quantitative Design and Analysis Academic Articles and related books
9) Quantitative Design and Analysis Academic Articles and related books
10) Qualitative Design and Analysis Academic Articles and related books
11) Qualitative Design and Analysis Academic Articles and related books
12) Qualitative Design and Analysis Academic Articles and related books
13) Review of the course Academic Articles and related books
14) Review of the course Academic Articles and related books

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: Van Maanen, John. 1899. Tales of the Field: On Writing Ethnography. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Becker, Howard. 1998. Tricks of the Trade. How to Think About Your Research While Doing It. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
References: Mark M. Lanier (Editor), Catherine A. Ford (Editor), Jonathan C. Reid (Editor). 2013, Advanced Research Methods for the Social Sciences. San Diego: Cognella Academic Publishing

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Attendance 14 % 20
Homework Assignments 5 % 30
Final 1 % 50
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 50
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 50
Total % 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities Number of Activities Workload
Course Hours 14 42
Application 14 56
Study Hours Out of Class 14 98
Paper Submission 1 1
Final 1 3
Total Workload 200

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect 1 Lowest 2 Low 3 Average 4 High 5 Highest
           
Program Outcomes Level of Contribution
1) To develop an interest in the human mind and behavior, to be able to evaluate theories using empirical findings, to understand that psychology is an evidence-based science by acquiring critical thinking skills.
2) To gain a biopsychosocial perspective on human behavior. To understand the biological, psychological, and social variables of behavior.
3) To learn the basic concepts in psychology and the theoretical and practical approaches used to study them (e.g. basic observation and interview techniques).
4) To acquire the methods and skills to access and write information using English as the dominant language in the psychological literature, to recognize and apply scientific research and data evaluation techniques (e.g. correlational, experimental, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, case studies).
5) To be against discrimination and prejudice; to have ethical concerns while working in research and practice areas.
6) To recognize the main subfields of psychology (experimental, developmental, clinical, cognitive, social and industrial/organizational psychology) and their related fields of study and specialization.
7) To acquire the skills necessary for analyzing, interpreting and presenting the findings as well as problem posing, hypothesizing and data collection, which are the basic elements of scientific studies.
8) To gain the basic knowledge and skills necessary for psychological assessment and evaluation.
9) To acquire basic knowledge of other disciplines (medicine, genetics, biology, economics, sociology, political science, communication, philosophy, anthropology, literature, law, art, etc.) that will contribute to psychology and to use this knowledge in the understanding and interpretation of psychological processes.
10) To develop sensitivity towards social problems; to take responsibility in activities that benefit the field of psychology and society.
11) To have problem solving skills and to be able to develop the necessary analytical approaches for this.
12) To be able to criticize any subject in business and academic life and to be able to express their thoughts.