Marga Institute

Course in Statistics in Research with a guide to SPSS ==================================== The main objective of the course is to introduce the statistical concepts and techniques of Quantitative data analysis used in Social Sciences to persons who have little or no experience of using such techniques and to provide an understanding of basic statistical methods and the ability to use them. During the Course the Participants will train how to use Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Overall the Course is aimed to train how to use Quantitative methods to solve research problems and to improve decision making. The Course will enable Participants to: Master descriptive and exploratory data analysis techniques Understand and apply a range of quantitative methods Interpret the results of statistical analysis Obtain experience in using Statistical Package for Social Studies (SPSS) Certificate in Research Methodology ========================= Making use of the wealth of knowledge and experience in development studies gained over the last 35 years, the Marga Institute is now launching a combined basic theoretical and practical course to sharpen research skills in social science research. Taking account of the increasing demand for this course and the special needs of students seeking to improve their knowledge and skills in the social sciences the Marga Institute has decided to commence a course in Research Methodology Master of Arts in Development Studies and Public Policy ======================================= The Master of Arts (MA) in Development Studies and Public Policy is a programme introduced by the Marga Institute in collaboration with the Open University of Sri Lanka. The Open University on its part provides the necessary quality assurance to the teaching function, final examination and certification of the successful students. The Institute makes available the large body of knowledge it has acquired and the analytical tool kit developed during the last three decades devoted to the study and analysis of development issues in Sri Lanka and in the region. This joint teaching venture is designed to develop Social Scientist who would be multi-disciplinary in their approach to development issues. The Marga Institute was incorporated in April 1972. It started as a civil society initiative in the early seventies and developed over a span of four decades. The ideas leading to the establishment of the Marga Institute took shape in the late nineteen sixties, among a group of public officers, academics and professionals. The principal activity of the Marga Institute is the study and critical evaluation of past and on-going development processes in Sri Lanka. It approaches and analyses development as a process and as a condition in which economic growth, social equity, political freedom and participation are integrally linked and must reinforce one another. Its programme of research therefore covers three main areas of development-economic, social and political. Consequently, it draws on a wide range of social science disciplines and brings a multi-disciplinary approach to its work.