MEC-109 IGNOU Handwritten Assignment 2026-27

Course Scope & Syllabus Overview for MEC-109: Research Methods in Economics

MEC-109: Research Methods in Economics is a core component of IGNOU’s Master of Arts (Economics) curriculum, designed to equip students with rigorous analytical and methodological frameworks essential for empirical economic inquiry. This course bridges theoretical foundations with practical application, emphasizing systematic problem-solving, data interpretation, and evidence-based policy formulation. Under the School of Social Sciences, it aligns with the CBCS structure, fostering critical engagement with research paradigms—from quantitative econometrics to qualitative case studies—while addressing real-world challenges in economic development and policy analysis.

Key Syllabus Units & Topics

• Block-1 Research Methodology: Issues and Perspectives: Explores epistemological foundations, research paradigms (positivist, interpretivist, critical), and ethical considerations in economic research, including hypothesis formulation and research problem identification.
• Block-2 Research Design and Measurement: Covers experimental vs. non-experimental designs, sampling techniques (probability/non-probability), and measurement scales (ordinal, interval, ratio), with applications in survey and observational studies.
• Block-3 Quantitative Methods-I: Introduces statistical inference, regression analysis (linear/logistic), time-series modeling, and econometric tools for causal inference, using datasets from Indian economic databases.
• Block-5 Qualitative Methods: Analyzes ethnographic techniques, in-depth interviews, focus groups, and discourse analysis, with case studies on rural livelihoods and urban poverty dynamics.
• Block-6 Data Base of Indian Economy: Focuses on secondary data sources (NSSO, RBI, CSO), data cleaning, and visualization tools (Excel, SPSS) for economic trend analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the minimum passing mark for the MEC-109 assignment submission?
A: The assignment carries 30% weightage toward the course grade, with a minimum passing requirement of 40% marks (12 out of 30) to qualify for the term-end examination.

Q: Are calculators or statistical software allowed during the MEC-109 term-end exam?
A: Basic scientific calculators are permitted, but advanced statistical software (e.g., EViews, Stata) is restricted; only manual computations or built-in calculator functions are allowed.