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Theory and Methodology in Research

Theory and Methodology in Research. Andrew McLellan Sheena Aperocho. MEAS 400 – 3 MARCH 2008. Presentation Outline. 5-7 minutes: Difference between “Theory” and “Methodology” 5-7 minutes: Importance of using Theory and Methodology in Research

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Theory and Methodology in Research

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  1. Theory and Methodology in Research Andrew McLellanSheena Aperocho MEAS 400 – 3 MARCH 2008

  2. Presentation Outline • 5-7 minutes: Difference between “Theory” and “Methodology” • 5-7 minutes: Importance of using Theory and Methodology in Research • 10 minutes: Discussion of understanding these terms • 20 minutes: Andrew’s project • 20 minutes: Sheena’s project • 15 minutes: Break • 90 minutes: Discussion of concepts, presentation and projects

  3. Theory vs. Methodology • Methodology: • Literature Review • What methodology the cited literature used • Theory: • Why the selected literature was chosen • The criteria that was used to select literature • Under-riding theory of project

  4. Importance of Theory and Methodology • “Of the articles in this issue, the one by Collier and Hoeffler applies to Africa an econometric model based on a theory that stresses the importance of opportunities for rebellion. Reynal-Querol’s study develops a rival econometric model stressing objective grievance as the cause of violence.” (Collier and Sambanis, pg. 4)

  5. Comparison of Water Conflicts • Reading: Turton, A. “A Southern African Perspective on Transboundary Water Resource Management" ECSP Report, #9 (2003): 76-87. • Water very disputed resource in Middle East • How is water a part of certain African conflicts (Past, present, future)? • Comparison of ME & A solutions to water conflicts

  6. Defining a Theoretical Perspective • Literature search without defined theoretical perspective • Selecting literature based on criteria, but no way of backing up criteria selection • Started looking for theory to base criteria for literature selection • Forms what methodology being used

  7. Focused Literature Search • Turton article outlines theory of water conflict • Collier & Sambanis also have theories on conflict • Using these ideas, a perspective is formed that will guided further literature searches • Read articles with a specific question to have answered

  8. Questions during Research • First order/second order resources • Social capital • Securitized or desecuritized - Cycle • Middle East – Religion and history • Science – Climate change and water • Solution viability based on criteria in ME & A

  9. Possible Areas for Focus • Senegal, Mauritania, Mali • Mostly cooperative? • South Africa • Still looking…

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