Information Package / Course Catalogue - Adnan Menderes University

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Research Methods in Social Sciences

Course Code	: İLT202
Course Type	: Required
Couse Group	: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language	: Turkish
Work Placement	: N/A

Theory	: 3
Prt.	: 0
Credit	: 3
Lab	: 0
ECTS	: 4

Objectives of the Course

The aim of this course is to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills regarding basic research methods, techniques, and processes used in the social sciences. It introduces quantitative and qualitative research approaches, and teaches how to formulate research questions, select samples, collect and analyze data, and report findings. The course also aims to enhance students’ competence in scientific thinking.

Course Content

This course examines research methods used in the social sciences, with a particular focus on communication studies. It covers the fundamentals of quantitative and qualitative approaches, research design, data collection techniques, sampling strategies, analysis, and reporting. The course equips students with the skills to conduct research in areas such as media, mass communication, and cultural studies.

Name of Lecturer(s)

Prof. Turan AKKOYUN

Learning Outcomes

1.	Explains the basic stages of the research process in the social sciences.
2.	Identifies and compares the differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods.
3.	Constructs a research problem and selects appropriate data collection techniques.
4.	Analyzes collected data and presents it in the form of a scientific report.
5.	Acts in accordance with research ethics and avoids plagiarism.

Recommended or Required Reading

1.	Berger, A. A. (2000). Media and communication research methods: An introduction to qualitative and quantitative approaches. Thousand Oaks
2.	İçli, G. E. (Ed.). (2020). Sosyal Bilimlerde Araştırma Yöntemleri: Kavramlar, Teknikler ve Uygulamalar İstanbul: Beta Yayıncılık.
3.	Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th ed.) Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
4.	Karasar, Niyazi (2022). Bilimsel Araştırma Yöntemi. Nobel Yayıncılık.
5.	Yıldırım, Ali & Şimşek, Hasan (2021). Sosyal Bilimlerde Nitel Araştırma Yöntemleri. Seçkin Yayıncılık.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week 1 - Theoretical

Introduction to science, knowledge, and research: The nature of scientific knowledge and the role of research in social sciences.

Week 2 - Theoretical

Research process: Defining the problem, formulating hypotheses, and selecting methods.

Week 3 - Theoretical

Types of research: Descriptive, explanatory, exploratory, and applied research.

Week 4 - Theoretical

Quantitative and qualitative approaches: Paradigms and analysis of key differences.

Week 5 - Theoretical

Methods in communication research: Content analysis, discourse analysis, and media examples.

Week 6 - Theoretical

Sampling and techniques: Random, purposive, and other sampling methods.

Week 7 - Theoretical

Surveys and observation: Questionnaire design and structured observation.

Week 8 - Theoretical

Mideterm- Interview and focus group methods: In-depth interviews and group discussion techniques.

Week 9 - Theoretical

Qualitative data analysis: Coding, thematic analysis, and interpretation.

Week 10 - Theoretical

Quantitative data analysis: Frequency distributions, cross-tabulations, and basic statistics.

Week 11 - Theoretical

Literature review and referencing: Accessing scientific sources and APA-style citation.

Week 12 - Theoretical

Writing a research report: Report sections, presenting findings, and writing conclusions.

Week 13 - Theoretical

Research ethics and plagiarism: Ethical principles, consent process, and avoiding plagiarism.

Week 14 - Theoretical

Research examples in communication: Social media, audience studies, media discourse analysis.

Assessment Methods and Criteria

Type of Assessment	Count	Percent
Midterm Examination	1	%40
Assignment Examination	1	%60

Workload Calculation

Activities	Count	Preparation	Time	Total Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory	15	1	3	60
Midterm Examination	1	10	1	11
Final Examination	1	25	1	26
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)				97

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

	PÇ-1	PÇ-2	PÇ-3	PÇ-4	PÇ-5	PÇ-6	PÇ-7	PÇ-8	PÇ-9	PÇ-10	PÇ-11	PÇ-12	PÇ-13	PÇ-14	PÇ-15	PÇ-16	PÇ-17	PÇ-18	PÇ-19	PÇ-20	PÇ-21	PÇ-22	PÇ-23	PÇ-24	PÇ-25
OÇ-1	4	5	4	5	5	4	2	4	4	1	1	2	4
OÇ-2	3	2	3	3	4	5	5	4	5	4	5	4	2
OÇ-3	3	5	5	4	5	5	2	5	4	2	4	5	4
OÇ-4	5	5	5	4	2	4	5	4	5	4	5	5	5
OÇ-5	5	4	5	5	4	5	5	4	5	5	2	5	5

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