ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD

(Department of Economics)

WARNING

1. PLAGIARISM OR HIRING OF GHOST WRITER(S) FOR SOLVING THE ASSIGNMENT(S) WILL DEBAR THE STUDENT FROM THE AWARD OF DEGREE/CERTIFICATE IF FOUND AT ANY STAGE.
2. SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENT(S) BORROWED OR STOLEN FROM OTHER(S) AS ONE’S OWN WILL BE PENALIZED AS DEFINED IN THE “AIOU PLAGIARISM POLICY”

Course: Research Methodology (9318) Semester: Spring, 2025

Level: BS Economics

Please read the following instructions for writing your assignments. (AD, BS, BEd, MA/MSc, MEd) (ODL Mode).

1. All questions are compulsory and carry equal marks but within a question the marks are distributed according to its requirements.

2. Read the question carefully and then answer it according to the requirements of the questions.

3. Avoid irrelevant discussion/information and reproducing from books, study guides, or allied material.

4. Handwritten scanned assignments are not acceptable.

5. Upload your typed (in Word or PDF format) assignments on or before the due date.

6. Your own analysis and synthesis will be appreciated.

7. Late assignments can’t be uploaded at LMS.

8. The students who attempt their assignments in Urdu/Arabic may upload a scanned copy of their handwritten assignments (in PDF format) on University LMS. The size of the file should not exceed 5MP.

Total Marks: 100 Pass Marks: 50

ASSIGNMENT No. 1

(Units 1-5)

Q 1. Explain in detail the different types of research methods which are used in scientific research. Differentiate between the qualitative and quantitative research approaches.

(20)

Q 2. Differentiate between theoretical research and empirical research, and describe the key objectives and methodologies of theoretical research. (20)

Q 3. What is the significance of research ethics in the design and conduct of research studies?

How the ethical challenges that researchers may face in different fields, can be resolved. (20)

Q 4. Why it is important to identify a broad problem area in the initial stages of the research process. Explain the steps involved in refining a broad problem area into a clear and concise problem statement. (20)

Q 5. Explain which steps are followed to conduct a complete literature review. How does a well-conducted literature review contribute to the overall credibility and validity of a research study? (20)

Total Marks: 100 Pass Marks: 50

ASSIGNMENT No. 2

(Units 6-9)

Q 1. What is the purpose of the theoretical framework? Discuss in detail the techniques which are used to develop a theoretical framework. (20)

Q 2. Discuss the various types of investigation used in research. How the choice of investigation influence the conclusions that can be drawn from the study? (20)

Q 3. Explore the role of primary and secondary data in research. Differentiate between these two types of data, and how do researchers ensure the accuracy and relevance of the data they collect? (20)

Q 4. Define the meaning of sampling in research. Which important steps are involved in exploring or calculating the sample size? (20)

Q 5. Explain the tools and strategies that researchers and institutions use to prevent and detect plagiarism. Which techniques can be used to avoid plagiarism? (20)