Module Objectives
The main objective of this module is to enable students to design and implement research projects giving particular emphasis on geographical applications.
This objective can be achieved to the extent that students are given the opportunity to develop the following qualities: firstly, to be able to construct research hypotheses and questions on the basis of a theoretical discussion; Secondly, to elaborate further on their research questions as to select the appropriate methods and techniques of quantitative and qualitative research;
Thirdly, to collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data, taking into consideration the particularities of each research field and be able to draw conclusions; Finally, to be in position to combine quantitative and qualitative methods as well as quantitative and qualitative data.
Course Contents
Brief presentation of the epistemological principles that lay behind the quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Presentation and appraisal of the role of theory for pursuing the appropriate research design. Comparing the characteristics of quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
Laying the foundations of social science and geographical research. Research design and preparation for empirical research. Basic characteristics of questionnaire design and various strategies for collecting quantitative data. Basic characteristics of the different qualitative methods and the strategies for collecting qualitative data.
Analyzing quantitative data with the use of specialized software. Analyzing qualitative data with the use of specialized software. Utilizing mixed methodologies. Developing strategies for combining quantitative and qualitative data. Cartographic illustrations of quantitative and qualitative data.
Teaching and Assessment
Classes and tutorials for presentation and delivering a written assignment. Written exam, oral presentation and submission of a written assignment.