Course Title: Research Methods & Critical Inquiry

Course Code: GS 107
Credit Value: 3 Credits
Contact Hours:

• Lectures: 2 hours/week

• Tutorials / Workshops: 2 hours/week
  Duration: 15 Weeks (One Semester)
  Prerequisite: Academic Writing & Professional Communication (recommended)

1. COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces students to the principles of research, inquiry, and critical thinking.
It equips learners with the ability to ask meaningful questions, evaluate information, design basic research studies, and interpret evidence, with applications across technology, social sciences, health, business, and community development.

The course emphasizes practical research literacy, not advanced statistics.

2. COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the purpose and process of research

2. Develop researchable questions and objectives

3. Apply basic qualitative and quantitative research methods

4. Critically evaluate information and sources

5. Apply ethical principles in research

6. Prepare a simple research proposal

3. LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Distinguish between different types of research

• Formulate clear research questions

• Select appropriate data collection methods

• Analyze and interpret basic data

• Demonstrate critical thinking and ethical reasoning

• Prepare a structured research proposal