Good Shepherd College of Cultural Studies

(Theological Education Ministry of Good Shepherd Church of India)

MASTER OF DIVINITY
August 2018 Residential Seminar
Course: GS 701 Research Methodology (3 Credit Hours)
Course Instructor: Rev. Lunkhomang Haokip

I. Course Description
The course Research Methodology introduces the students to the art of research. Students will
know how to develop a research problem and the procedures to handle the issues in writing the
papers. Students will get acquainted with the tools and tasks necessary for research. This would
help them in writing assignments, research papers, thesis and defending their papers/thesis.

II. Course Objectives

1. Understand the need for rigorous adherence to research, study, and writing methods by
showing a positive attitude and general appreciation for master-level studies
2. Assist the students to use the library for research work and writing assignments and thesis.
3. Facilitate the process of writing good papers, assignments, and the tools related to the same.
4. Become familiar with the various types of research.
5. Help students to master the process of selecting research topics, formulating an appropriate
research problem and designing a suitable research design to solve the problem.
6. Help students use effectively several types and means of data gathering including library
research and field survey research.
7. Assist them learn to put the collected materials into a form ready for presentation.

III.Course Outcome
1. Students would become aware of the research process and will take up research work.
2. They would know to present the assignments, research papers and thesis in the prescribed
format.
3. They know to do the research work in the library.
4. They will be familiar with the art of relating with the teachers and guide and defend their
position before a group of people.
5. They know to do book reviews, literature reviews and field survey research.

IV. Course Outline

1. Introduction to Research Methodology.
1.1. What is Research?
1.2. Why do Research?
1.3. Definitions of Research
1.4. Characteristics of Research
1.5. Benefits of Research
1.6. Dangers of Research

2. Critical thinking in Academic Learning

3. Library in Reference to Research.

3.1. Locating the Resources: Classification systems, Indexes and Catalogues
4. Writing Academic Papers and Assignments
4.1. Ways of writing
4.2. Footnote/Endnote/Text note

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 4.3. Appendixes
4.4. Bibliography
4.5. Plagiarism
5. Doing Literature / Book Review and Book Summary
5.1. Reading Skills
5.2. Recording the Contents
5.3. Notes taking
6. The Process of Research (tools and tasks)
6.1. The Paradigms for Research
6.2. The Models for Research
7. Selecting a Topic for Research.
7.1. Focusing the Research
7.2. Defining the Problem
8. Writing the Proposal Paper
8.1. Title
8.2. Statement of the problem
8.3. Significance / Elaboration of the Problem
8.4. Purpose Statement
8.5. The Research Questions
8.6. Assumptions and Limitations
8.7. Methodology and Procedures
8.8. Definition of Terms
8.9. Literature Review
8.10. Bibliography

9. The Thesis
9.1. The art of writing
9.2. Working with a Committee
9.3. The presentation and Oral Defence.

V. Core Textbooks
Mabry, Hunter P. A Manual for Researchers and Writers: Of Course Assignments, Theses,
Dissertations and Other Research Reports. Bangalore: The Board of Theological Education of
the Senate of Serampore College, 1999.
Kothari, C.R. Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques (Second Edition). New Delhi: New
Age International (P) limited, Publishers, 2004.

Seidman, Irving. Interviewing as Qualitative Research: A Guide for Researchers in Education and
the Social Sciences, Third Edition. New York and London: Teachers College, Columbia
University, 2006.

Glaser, Barney G and Strauss, Anselm L. The Discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategy for
Qualitative Research. New Brunswick (USA) and London (UK): Aldine Transaction, A
Division of Transaction Publishers, 2006.

VI. Course Requirements

1. Class Test / Assignments & Post Residential Assignments – 50%
2. Final Examination – 50%

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VII. Post Residential Assignments Book Report
1. Read and write a report of the book – A Manual for Researchers and Writers: Of
Course Assignments, Theses, Dissertations and Other Research Reports by Hunter P Mabry.
The book report should be within 500 words [hand written or typed (double space) around 2
pages]. Please follow the principles taught in the class to do the assignment. (10%)

2. Book Review (15%)

Read and do a review of the unpublished MA Thesis – Developing Local Leaders for Good
Shepherd Community Church: Problems and Prospects by Madhuchandra. Write it in around
700 words [hand written or typed (double space) not more than 3 pages]. Please follow the
principles taught in the class.

3. Field Research (15%)

Write a research paper to prove your ability to do field research. Please choose a topic and an
issue to do this. During the residential period, finalize the issue in consultation with the
teacher. (Around 5 pages)
Guidelines to do this assignment:
i. Choose the topic according to your preference / convenience.
ii. Prepare a questionnaire on the topic you would like to survey.
iii. Survey minimum 20 people.
iv. Analyse the material collected.
v. Now formulate the material according to the guidelines given in the class.
vi. Write down the material in an assignment form.
vii. A copy of the questionnaire should be attached as an appendix and give the name of
people who done the questionnaire.
viii. Conduct an interview of 5 people or more (approx. 30 minutes each) based on your
chosen topic

4. Library Research - 10%

Write a paper to prove your ability to do library research. Please choose a topic with a specific
issue to do this. Get the topic approved by the teacher before you leave the campus. Minimum
10 books and 5 articles to be referred. The collected materials should be presented in an essay
format. Give notes and annotated bibliography. (Around 5 pages / 1000 words)

VIII. SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Alasuutari, Pertti. An Invitation to Social Research. London: Sage Publications, 1998.

Black, Thomas R. Evaluating Social Science Research: An introduction. London: Sage Publications,
1998.

Blaxter, Loraine, Christina Hughes and Malcolm Tight. How to Research. Chennai: Viva Books,
2002.

Bloor, Michael. et.al. Focus Groups in Social Research. New Delhi: Sage Publications, 2001.

Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research. Chicago: The
University of Chicago Press, 1995.

Coghlan, David, and Teresa Brannick. Doing Action Research. New Delhi: Sage Publications, 2001.

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Creswell, John W. Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Thousand Oaks: Sage
Publications, 1994.

Crotty, Michael. The Foundations of Social Research: Meaning and Perspective in the Research
Process. London: Sage Publications, 1998.

Jaison, Jessy, Enjoy Your Research: A Manual for Theological Students. Trivandrum: New India
Evangelistic Association, 2000.

John, E. C. and H.P. Mabry, Hand Book on Thesis Writing. Calcutta: Senate of Serampore College,
1975.

Kanakaraj, S. A Practical Guide to Research. Madurai: Prem Publishers, 1996.

Kothari, C. R. Research Methodology. Hyderabad: Wishwa Prakashan, 1990.

Lindlof, Thomas. Qualitative Communication Research Methods. New Delhi: Sage Publications,
1995.

Mabry, Hunter P. A Manual for Researchers and Writers: Of Course Assignments, Theses,
Dissertations and Other Research Reports. Bangalore: The Board of Theological Education
of the Senate of Serampore College, 1999.

Marshall, Catherine. Designing Qualitative Research. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, 1995.

Mikkelsen, Britha, Methods for Development Work and Research: A guide for Practitioners. New
Delhi: Sage Publications, 1998.

Moirangthem, Madhuchandra. "Developing Local Leaders for Good Shepherd Community

Church in Punjab: Problems and Prospects". MA Thesis, Briecrest Bible College and
Seminary, 2004.

Nagpaul, P. S., Organization and Sociology of Research. Hyderabad: Wiley Eastern Limited, 1990.

Neuman, W. Lawrence. Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Boston:
Allyn and Bacon, 1997.

Raj, Hans. Theory and Practice in Social Research. New Delhi: Surjeet, 1981.

Saravanavel, P. Research Methodology. Allahabad: Kitab Mahal Agencies, 1999.

Sumser, John. A Guide to Empirical Research in Communications. New Delhi: Sage Publications,
2001.

Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. Chicago: The
University of Chicago Press, 1996.

Feel free to contact or write to me for any clarifications

Rev. Lunkhomang Haokip
G-4, Blessed Assurance Apartments, Doddagubi Main Road
Kyalasanahalli, Kothanur Post, Bangalore : 560077, India
Email : Lunkhomang_Haokip@yahoo.com
Phone number
Page 4: 7619352913
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