(3 semester hours)
By the end of the course the student will be able to apply the basic principles
of the scientific method to the design of a research project, formulate
an adequate research question, identify the variables related to research
questions and provide operational definitions of those variables, develop
testable hypotheses related to the research question, identify valid and
reliable data gathering instruments and methods, identifying the strengths
and weaknesses of the established methods, demonstrate an ability to use
the recognized data gathering methods (both quantitative and qualitative)
in an appropriate manner, demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles
of data handling by transcription, coding, databasing, demonstrate an
ability to analyze data of various sorts in an appropriate way, through
the use of the basic principles of statistical analysis and the fundamental
statistical techniques most commonly used by social science researchers.
The student will demonstrate an ability to write a research report which
documents clearly the principle elements of the research project including
the research question, the variables, the hypotheses, the data collection
methods used, an analysis (statistical or otherwise) of the data, conclusions,
and areas for further research.
Prerequisites:
- LD5342 Statistical Methods OR permission of instructor
