Research Methodologies in the Digital Era

The course “Research Methods in the Digital Age” introduces students to the systematic process of scientific research, with emphasis on the design, implementation, analysis and presentation of research work at postgraduate level.

The course examines key research philosophies and methodological approaches, quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods, data collection and analysis techniques, as well as issues related to literature review, research ethics, validity, reliability and academic integrity.

Particular emphasis is placed on the challenges and opportunities of research in the digital age, such as the use of online sources, digital data, basic analytical tools, and responsible practices in the use of digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence tools.

The course serves as methodological preparation for the completion of the master’s dissertation and, at the same time, develops scientific presentation skills, enabling students to organise, document and orally defend their research work.

Objectives – Learning Outcomes

Through a combination of lectures, exercises, analysis of scientific articles, examples and oral presentations, students will acquire:

• critical understanding of key research philosophies and methodological approaches;
• the ability to formulate a research problem, research questions and/or hypotheses;
• skills in searching, evaluating and synthesising scientific literature;
• the ability to design research using quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods;
• basic skills in collecting, organising, analysing and interpreting data;
• familiarity with basic data analysis tools and with research issues in the digital age;
• awareness of issues related to research ethics, academic integrity, data protection and the responsible use of digital tools and Artificial Intelligence;
• skills in writing, presenting and orally defending research work.

Lecture 1: Introduction to scientific research & research philosophies and approaches

Lecture 2: Stages of the research process & research ethics and integrity

Lecture 3: Secondary data and literature review

Lecture 4: Primary data I: Data collection using questionnaires

Lecture 5: Primary data II: Measurement and sampling

Lecture 6: Quantitative data analysis

Lecture 7: Data analysis tools: Introduction, toolbar, data entry

Lecture 8: Data analysis tools: Descriptive data analysis

Lecture 9: Data analysis tools: Regression and correlation

Lecture 10: Primary data III: Qualitative research methods and observation

Lecture 11: Qualitative data analysis

Lecture 12: Principles of academic writing and presentation techniques for scientific work

Lecture 13: Referencing methodology – bibliographic citations

- Recommended Bibliography:

• Psiloutsikou, M. (2023). Research Methodology in Management Sciences. Kallipos Repository. Available at: https://repository.kallipos.gr/handle/11419/8599
• Liargovas, P., Dermatis, Z., & Komninos, D. (2022). Research Methodology and Scientific Writing, 2nd Edition. Tziola Publications.
• Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2014). Research Methods for Business and Economics. Disigma Publications.
• Brancati, D. (2021). Social Science Research. Propobos Publications.

- Supplementary Bibliography:

• Durbarry, R. (2020). Research Methods for Tourism Students. Dardanos Publications.
• Adler, E., & Stier, K. (2018). Social Research: A Guide to Methods and Techniques. Tziola Publications.
• Garefalakis, A., Koutoupis, A., & Passas, I. (2020). Research Methodology for Academic Writing and Scientific Studies.
• Zacharopoulou, C. (2010). Statistics, Volume II. Sofia Publications.
• Iosifidis, T. (2017). Qualitative Research Methods and Epistemology of Social Sciences. Tziola Publications.
• Glesne, C. (2018). Becoming Qualitative Researchers. Metaichmio Publications.
• Gray, D. E. (2019). Doing Research in the Real World. Tziola Publications.
• Liargovas, P., Dermatis, Z., & Komninos, D. (2022). Research Methodology and Scientific Writing, 2nd Edition. Tziola Publications.
• Norusis, M. J. (2011). IBM SPSS 19 Guide to Data Analysis. Kleidarithmos Publications.
• Ntanous, A. (2016). Guide to Writing Theses and Scientific Studies. Synchroni Ekdotiki Publications.
• Statistics Canada (2020). Methods and Practices of Statistical Surveys: Selected Applications. Sofia Publications.
• Petrakis, M. (2014). Writing the Dissertation, 2nd Edition. Stamoulis Publications.
• Roussos, P., & Tsaousis, G. (2020). Applied Statistics in Social Sciences using SPSS and R. Dardanos Publications.
• Silver, C., & Lewins, A. (2018). Using Software in Qualitative Research. Liberal Books.
• Snape, D., & Spencer, L. (2003). The foundations of qualitative research. In Ritchie, J., & Lewis, J. (eds.), Qualitative Research Practice: A Guide for Social Science Students and Researchers. SAGE Publications.
• Sariannidis, N., Konteos, G., & Lazaridis, T. (2019). Statistics and Econometrics.
• Schindler, P. S. (2019). Business Research Methods. Kritiki Publications.
• Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research Methods for Business and Economics, 2nd Edition. Disigma Publications.
• Tsiolis, G. (2014). Methods and Techniques of Analysis in Qualitative Social Research. Kritiki Publications.
• Flick, U. (2017). Introduction to Qualitative Research. Propobos Publications.
• Isari, F. (2016). Qualitative Research Methodology. Kallipos Repository.
• Chalikias, M. (2022). Quantitative Analysis and Decision Theory using EXCEL, ISALOS and SPSS. Broken Hill Publishers Ltd.
• Chalikias, M., & Samanta, E. (2016). Introduction to Research Methodology for Scientific Studies. Synchroni Ekdotiki Publications.

• Search, analysis, and synthesis of data and information using appropriate technologies
• Adaptation to new situations
• Decision-making
• Independent work
• Teamwork
• Work in an interdisciplinary environment
• Critical thinking and self-reflection
• Generation of new research ideas
• Promotion of free, creative, and inductive thinking

Use of ICT in teaching: Learning Management System (Open eClass), statistical data analysis software, presentation software, Internet, teleconferencing platform

Use of ICT in communication: Communication with students is achieved through the Learning Management System (Open eClass), email, and a teleconferencing platform

Language of assessment: Greek

Course assessment is carried out through an individual/group assignment and an oral presentation. Students are required to analyse scientific articles based on key aspects of research methodology: research aim, design/methodology/approach, findings, limitations and suggestions for future research, practical implications, and originality/scientific value. The assignment is presented orally using PowerPoint and submitted electronically in PDF format via the Open eClass platform.

Assessment criteria include understanding the research aim of the articles, correctly identifying and critically evaluating the methodological approach, accurately presenting the findings, identifying limitations and practical implications, evaluating the originality and scientific contribution of the articles, using appropriate research terminology, providing well-supported argumentation, ensuring structure, clarity and scientific documentation in the oral presentation, keeping to the allotted time, oral defence, and responses to questions.