Instructor(s)

This course, made up of two parts, I and II, is aimed at providing students with theoretical and practical know how and confidence to perform worthwhile theological research in service of the Kingdom. Its interim goal is to prepare students to produce their MA thesis which is a requirement for obtaining the degree. But in the long term it will also serve as providing the foundations for future postgraduate theological research and ultimately foster a culture of consistent Christian scholarly theologians and pastoral practitioners.

The first part (Theological Research Methods I) focuses on broad foundations of theological research, acquisition and honing of research ideas, construction of topic and detailing concise research concepts. The second part (Theological Research Methods II) focuses more on the research journey, choices of methods and the construction and defense of the research proposal.

Topics covered include conceptual issues in research, research ethics, literature review, research design, techniques for data collection, tools for data coding and analysis, various qualitative methods of data collection, analysis and publication. Basic statistical methods will also be covered even though not exhaustively. Students will be introduced to the use of software in data analysis (NVIVO for qualitative research).