MPA-035 IGNOU Guess Paper 2026-27

Course Scope & Syllabus Overview: MPA-035 Research Methodology and Ethics

IGNOU’s MPA-035: Research Methodology and Ethics is a core course under the Post Graduate Diploma in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PGDDRRM), designed to equip students with rigorous analytical and ethical frameworks essential for public administration and logistics research. This course bridges theoretical foundations with practical application, emphasizing systematic research design, data collection techniques, and ethical governance in policy formulation. It aligns with the CBCS curriculum to ensure students can critically evaluate research methodologies, apply empirical strategies, and navigate ethical dilemmas in disaster management studies. The syllabus integrates case studies, empirical research paradigms, and ethical guidelines, preparing students for both academic rigor and field-based implementation.

Key Syllabus Units & Topics

• Block-1 Research Methodology: Covers foundational research paradigms, including quantitative and qualitative approaches, with detailed exploration of research design, sampling techniques, and data analysis tools. Students learn to formulate research problems, develop hypotheses, and select appropriate methodologies for public administration and disaster studies.
• Unit 1: Introduction to Research Methodology: Introduces the scientific research process, distinguishing between exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory research. It highlights the role of research in evidence-based policymaking and logistics management.
• Unit 2: Research Design and Sampling: Examines different research designs (experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental) and sampling methods (probability and non-probability), emphasizing their relevance to disaster risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Unit 3: Data Collection Techniques: Focuses on primary and secondary data sources, survey methods, interviews, and observational techniques, with a focus on ethical considerations in data gathering for public sector research.
• Block-2 Research Ethics: Delves into ethical principles governing research conduct, including integrity, transparency, and participant rights. It addresses ethical challenges in sensitive research areas such as disaster-affected communities and policy interventions.
• Unit 4: Ethical Foundations in Research: Discusses ethical frameworks, institutional review boards, and the ethical implications of bias, confidentiality, and informed consent in research projects.
• Unit 5: Research Misconduct and Governance: Explores plagiarism, fabrication, and falsification in research, along with ethical guidelines for research publication and dissemination in public administration contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the marking scheme for the MPA-035 Term-End Examination (TEE), and how are internal and external assessments weighted?
A: The TEE for MPA-035 carries 100 marks, with questions designed to test both theoretical knowledge and applied research skills. Internal assessments (assignments) contribute to the final grade, typically accounting for 30% of the total marks, while the TEE constitutes the remaining 70%. Focus on understanding core concepts and practical applications to excel in both components.

Q: Are there specific chapters or units in MPA-035 that frequently appear in repeated exam questions, and how can I prioritize my revision?
A: Units covering Research Design and Sampling (Unit 2) and Ethical Foundations in Research (Unit 4) consistently appear in past TEE papers due to their foundational role in both methodology and ethics. Prioritize these units alongside Data Collection Techniques (Unit 3) for targeted revision, as they form the core of empirical and ethical research frameworks in public administration.