TYPE OF COURSE UNIT	Elective Course
LEVEL OF COURSE UNIT	Bachelor's Degree
YEAR OF STUDY	-
SEMESTER	-
NUMBER OF ECTS CREDITS ALLOCATED	5
NAME OF LECTURER(S)	Instructor Ahmet Zeki Bulunç Instructor Yevgeniya Coşgun
LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE COURSE UNIT	At the end of this course, the students; 1) write, present, and defend scientific researchs and studies more effectively and efficiently. 2) gain experience if the research subject or projects are completed in accordance with scientific research methods and writing rules at the end of the semester. 3) acquire competitive traits for graduate study.
MODE OF DELIVERY	Face to face
PRE-REQUISITES OF THE COURSE	No
RECOMMENDED OPTIONAL PROGRAMME COMPONENT	No recommended optional programme components.
COURSE DEFINITION	The basic aim of this course is to prepare students for conducting and completing their own research project in accordance with scientific method. The course material is compiled to guide students throughout their research, providing a higher level of comprehension in the field of academic research. In such a way, students will feel more confident and prepared for their future academic undertakings.
COURSE CONTENTS	WEEK TOPICS 1st Week Introductory meeting. What is independent research? Why do we need to learn how to conduct independent research? General discussion about the course and the project timetable. 2nd Week Science and scientific research. Main aspects of scientific method. Thinking like a researcher. 3rd Week The research process - how do we conduct scientific research? Theories in scientific research. 4th Week Research design a detailed plan for data-collection process. Measurement and the main issues in the measurement process. 5th Week Research ethics - how to stay within the lines of honest academic conduct. 6th Week Getting started with your research project. First goal - defining a good, interesting research question. Why is it important to ask valuable questions? 7th Week Determining and understanding the academic background around your research question. Work on the bibliography- choosing reliable sources for analysis. Literature review. 8th Week Writing skills - using appropriate vocabulary and academic writing skills. How to polish and edit your writing properly? The advantages of sharp writing skills. 9th Week Constructing a research design ? your research plan and your justification for it. What data will you need? How well the data supports your hypothesis (research question)? Analysis and assessment. 10th Week Research management - how to stay motivated for your research? Issue of procrastination. Creating habits for keeping up with your research. 11th Week Completing your research - writing a comprehensive conclusion for your research question. Are there any further implications/points of examination for your research question? What further research is needed to complete/complement your hypothesis? 12th Week Discussing examples of successful scientific research. Some remarks on presentation skills - how to present your ideas in the appealing way. Your comments and questions about conducting scientific research of your own. 13th Week Presenting your proposals to the jury/committee/classmates. 14th Week Presenting your proposals to the jury/committee/classmates.
RECOMENDED OR REQUIRED READING	Baglione, Lisa A. (2016). Writing A Research Paper in Political Science: A Practical Guide to Inquiry, Structure and Methods. Los Angeles: CQ Press. Bhattacherjee, A. (2012). Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practices. USF Tampa Bay Open Access Textbooks Collection. Book 3. Bassot, B. (2020). The Research Journal: A Reflective Tool for Your First Independent Research Project. Bristol: Policy Press.
PLANNED LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS	Lecture
ASSESSMENT METHODS AND CRITERIA	Quantity Percentage(%) Mid-term 1 35 Assignment 1 65 Total(%) 100 Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%) 100 Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%) 0 Total(%) 100
ECTS WORKLOAD	Activities Number Hours Workload Midterm exam 1 1 1 Preparation for Quiz Individual or group work 14 3 42 Preparation for Final exam Course hours 14 3 42 Preparation for Midterm exam 1 25 25 Laboratory (including preparation) Final exam Homework 1 40 40 Total Workload 150 Total Workload / 30 5 ECTS Credits of the Course 5
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION	English
WORK PLACEMENT(S)	No