Information Package / Course Catalogue
Research Methods I
Course Code: İKT372
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 3
Prt.: 0
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 5
Objectives of the Course

The aim of this course is to enable students to understand the fundamental logic of scientific research in the social sciences, particularly in economics. Throughout the course, students will develop the ability to identify a research problem, formulate a research question, conduct a literature review, build a theoretical framework, develop hypotheses, operationalize concepts into measurable variables, and design an appropriate research strategy. By the end of the semester, students are expected to prepare a basic research proposal on a topic of their choice. This course provides the foundation for the applied research, data analysis, and reporting processes to be conducted within the scope of Research Methods II.

Course Content

Research Methods I introduces students to the fundamental logic of scientific research and the main components of research design in the social sciences. The course covers the development of research problems and research questions, literature review, theoretical framework, hypothesis formulation, operationalization of concepts, identification of data sources, and selection of appropriate research designs.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Explain the basic logic of scientific research and the stages of the research process in the social sciences.
2.Formulate a research problem and a research question within a specific field of inquiry.
3.Conduct a literature review and define the position of a study within the existing body of knowledge.
4.Build a theoretical framework, develop hypotheses, and operationalize abstract concepts into measurable variables.
5.Prepare a basic research proposal including data sources, variables, and methodological components.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. SAGE Publications.
2.Kumar, R. (2019). Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners (Vol. 4). Sage Publications Limited.
3.Neuman, W. L. (2014). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Pearson.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Introduction to scientific research; methodological debates in the social sciences; the relationship between theory, data, induction, and deduction
Week 2 - Theoretical
Scientific knowledge, everyday knowledge, and the logic of research in the social sciences
Week 3 - Theoretical
Developing a research topic, research problem, and research question
Week 4 - Theoretical
Characteristics of a research question: scope, delimitation, answerability, and testability
Week 5 - Theoretical
Introduction to literature review: selecting academic sources and evaluating the existing body of knowledge
Week 6 - Theoretical
Identifying research gaps and defining the contribution of a study
Week 7 - Theoretical
Theoretical framework: concepts, assumptions, mechanisms, and causal links
Week 8 - Theoretical
Developing hypotheses: transforming theoretical expectations into testable statements
Week 9 - Theoretical
Concepts, variables, and operationalization: making abstract concepts measurable
Week 10 - Theoretical
Types and sources of data: primary data, secondary data, cross-sectional data, time series, and panel data
Week 11 - Theoretical
Correlation, causality, and alternative explanations
Week 12 - Theoretical
Types of research design: descriptive, explanatory, causal, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches
Week 13 - Theoretical
Academic ethics, use of sources, and responsible use of artificial intelligence tools
Week 14 - Theoretical
Preparing a research proposal: integrating research question, literature, theory, hypotheses, data, and method
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Presentation1%10
Assignment1%10
Midterm Examination1%20
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory142370
Assignment1112
Presentation 1314
Individual Work101230
Midterm Examination1819
Final Examination19110
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)125
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
OÇ-1
5
4
5
5
5
5
3
OÇ-2
5
4
5
3
5
4
5
OÇ-3
5
4
5
5
4
3
5
OÇ-4
5
4
3
5
5
5
4
OÇ-5
4
5
5
5
4
3
5
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026