Advanced Research Methods II is a course that provides students with in-depth research skills and knowledge in social sciences. The course has been designed to enable students to use the logic of research methods in the social sciences and to prepare them to write their own research papers and theses. The course focuses on the conception and process of research, from the identification and generation of research ideas, to the formulation of aims and objectives as well as to the development of research questions, literature review, data collection, content analysis, writing a paper and dissemination of results. The course also focuses on research methodology, the nature of qualitative and quantitative research, as well as the philosophies that underlie them and shows how they can complement each other in the production of knowledge. Advanced Research Methods II will also shed light on the ethical issues of scientific research, but also on the necessity and ways to avoid them.

The course has been structured so that the students: - Understand the nature of research, research methods, research steps and processes and identify research principles, terms, types and concepts - Gain experience in designing actual research projects in the fields of social sciences - Develop practical skills in data collection, analysis and interpretation - Consider ethics associated with the undertaking scientific research - Formulate adequate research questions/hypotheses etc in social sciences - Learn how to read and critically review the literature of a particular research topic within the theoretical framework - Utilize adequately quantitative, qualitative, mixed –type research methods and instruments of sampling design and data collection, such as questionnaire, interview, observation, Focus Group Discussions, etc. - Cite and quote correctly and validly (inside and outside text) including the list of references and resources. - Discuss the results relating them to the research objectives, questions/hypotheses and the literature - Write a summary, conclusion, discussion and recommendations