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Instructor: Bettina Casad
Office: Steele 1, Scripps College
Phone: (909) 607-0002
e-mail: bettina.casad@cgu.edu
Office Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays by appointment
Course Information
|
Week |
Mon |
Tues |
Wed |
Fri |
| 1 |
6/27 |
No class |
6/28 |
No class |
|
2 |
Holiday |
7/5 |
7/6 |
No class |
|
3 |
7/11 |
No class |
7/13 |
7/15 |
|
4 |
7/18 |
7/19 |
7/20 |
No class |
|
5 |
7/25 |
No class |
7/28 |
No class |
Classroom: MWF Burkle 12; Tues Burkle 14
Computer Lab: ACB 111
Course Description
This course will introduce you to the process of scientific inquiry using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. The course will cover all stages of the research process including conceptualization, design, measurement, and collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data. You will learn how to analyze qualitative and quantitative data using descriptive and inferential statistics. The goal of the course is to help you develop the ability to design and critically assess scientific research.
Course Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
1. Identify and define methodological and statistical terms, concepts, and procedures
2. Describe qualitative and quantitative research methods used in the social sciences and humanities
3. Compute descriptive and inferential statistics using a calculator and a computer
4. Apply appropriate methodological and statistical procedures to answer research questions
5. Interpret and present results of statistical analyses
6. Critically evaluate research claims by examining research methodology and statistical analyses
7. Interpret statistics in published research articles
8. Experience experimental and non-experimental studies first hand
9. Apply course concepts to your individual research projects
Required Texts and Materials
Creswell, J. W. (1998). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five traditions. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. ISBN: 0761901442
Jackson, S. L. (2003). Research methods and statistics: A critical thinking approach. Belmont, Ca: Thompson/Wadsworth. Bundled with the study guide, ISBN: 0534437087
Supplemental reading to be distributed in class.
A calculator that has a square root key, a summation key, and preferably at least one memory register. Usually scientific calculators are appropriate. A graphing calculator (e.g., TI-83) is also helpful but not required. Be sure to bring the instruction manual with you and learn how to use your calculator's functions.
An IBM formatted 3.5" diskette or USB memory stick. Label the disk with your name, class number, your email address, and my name in case you forget it in the computer lab.
Recommended: Citation/style manual for your discipline (e.g. APA manual, MLA handbook)
Course Requirements
Exams (200 points): There are two comprehensive exams each worth 100 points covering material from the qualitative (midterm) and quantitative (final) components of the course. The final exam will primarily cover material from the second half of the course, but will assume knowledge of material covered in the first half. The exams will be based on readings, lectures, assignments, and in-class activities. The exams may include multiple-choice, matching, fill in the blank, short answer, and essay questions.
Methodology Application Assignments (200 points):
Assignment 1: Research Methods in Your Discipline (10 pts.): In this assignment, you will familiarize yourself with research methods in your discipline, including the outlets for publishing research, the top academic journals, and common qualitative, quantitative, and statistical methods utilized. Additional information will be provided in a separate handout in class.
Assignment 2: Data Collection (50 pts.): This assignment offers hands-on application of one of two qualitative research techniques, naturalistic observation, or interviewing. You will carry out either a naturalistic observation or oral interview on a topic of your choosing. In a brief paper, you will describe your research question, sampling technique, and procedures used to answer your research question. Additional information will be provided in a separate handout in class.
Assignment 3: Content Analysis (50 pts.): In this assignment, you will conduct a content analysis on your field notes or interview transcription from assignment 2. Alternatively, you can conduct a content analysis of a primary source or document relevant to your research interests. Additional information will be provided in a separate handout in class.
Assignment 4: Survey Construction (50 pts.): This assignment entails constructing a survey based on techniques discussed in the course. Within the survey, you will create at least one original scale measuring a concept of interest. You will then administer the survey to a small number of participants to allow assessment of the survey's reliability and validity. Additional information will be provided in a separate handout in class.
Assignment 5: Descriptive and Correlational Analyses (20 pts.): In this assignment, you will calculate descriptive and correlational analyses using a calculator and a computer program (SPSS). The assignment will familiarize you with bivariate correlation and linear regression. Additional information will be provided in a separate handout in class.
Assignment 6: Inferential Statistics (20 pts.): In this assignment you will calculate inferential statistics, including z tests, t tests, and ANOVA using a calculator and SPSS. Additional information will be provided in a separate handout in class.
Research Proposal (125 points): Throughout the course, you will work on developing your own research questions and designing appropriate studies. The research proposal will summarize your ideas by including an (1) introduction describing the theoretical and conceptual nature of your research question; (2) the appropriate qualitative or quantitative methodology needed to answer your research question; (3) the appropriate descriptive and/or inferential statistics needed to answer your research question; and (4) the theoretical and practical implications of your anticipated results. In addition, the proposal will include a detailed analysis of a key research article from your literature review. Additional information will be provided in a separate handout in class.
Oral Presentation (50 points): To further develop your presentation skills and improve your ability to communicate your research to people outside your discipline, you will present your research proposal to the class using visual aids, such as PowerPoint. The presentation is an opportunity for you to receive eedback from your peers and to learn about a wide range of studies proposed by your peers. Additional information will be provided in a separate handout in class.
Method Critiques (50 points): Each student will evaluate each other's oral presentations, highlighting the strengths and areas for improvement. You will be evaluated on the quality of your feedback on each student's presentation. Additional information will be provided in a separate handout in class.
Group Participation (75 points): Students in this course will be active learners who play an important role in their academic growth and development. You should read all the assigned readings before each class, thoughtfully process the information, and be ready to contribute to class discussion and activities. There will be several in-class activities and discussions in which all students are expected to participate. You will periodically work in small groups on graded in-class assignments.
Course Evaluation
Grades will be based on the successful completion of exams, written assignments, and group assignments according to the following grading system:
|
Assignment |
Point Value |
Grading System |
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Exams (2 X 100 pts.).................................................... 200
Application Assignments..................... 200
1 =10; 2 = 50; 3 = 50; 4 = 50; 5 = 20; 6 = 20
Research Proposal...............................125
Oral Presentation..................................50
Method Critiques...................................50
Group Participation............................... 75
Total points 700 |
A 93% or above |
C+ 76-79%
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D- 60-62% |
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A- 90-92% C 73-75% F 59% or less |
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B+ 86-89% C- 70-72% |
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B 83-85% D+ 66-69% |
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B- 80-82% D 63-65% |
Course Policies
Missed Exams and Late Assignments: Make-up exams will be given only for serious illnesses requiring medical treatment, verifiable emergencies (with doctor's letter, accident report, etc.), and legitimate academic scheduling conflicts discussed with the instructor at least two weeks before the exam date. The final exam cannot be made up. Late assignments are strongly discouraged and will be reduced by 10% per calendar day late. There are no make-up in-class assignments as they are based on the day's lecture, discussion, and activities. Excessive absences will be reflected in your class participation grade.
Academic Honesty: It is expected that exams and written assignments will reflect your own work. Any form of cheating will not be tolerated. Plagiarism is a form of cheating where you present someone else's work as your own including using someone else's paper, or parts of it, and not referencing someone else's idea. To avoid plagiarism, use direct quotes or paraphrase the author's ideas and always reference the original source from which the idea was developed. In accordance with school policies, anyone found cheating will receive a failing grade on that assignment or test.
Classroom Environment: Students learn best in an environment that is free of distractions. I expect that students will behave professionally and respect other students' right to learn. In addition, students are expected to respect diversity and alternative points of view. To limit distractions, please avoid coming late to class and turn off cellular phones and pagers before class begins.
Additional Accommodations: Any student in this class who has a disability that may prevent the fullest expression of his/her abilities should contact me as soon as possible to discuss the appropriate accommodations necessary to complete the course requirements, ensure full participation, and facilitate the educational opportunity. There are no prerequisites for the course; however, students are expected to have college level reading and writing skills. If you need further assistance with your studies, please talk with me or visit the writing center.
Course Schedule
The course schedule is subject to change at the instructor's discretion, given appropriate notice.
|
Date |
Topics |
Class Activities |
Readings, Assignments, and Tests |
|
Part One: Qualitative Methods |
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Week 1
Mon. June 27 |
Introduction to the Course; The Scientific Method; Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Methods; Designing a Qualitative Study
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Introductions and Research Interests; Course Preassessments |
Syllabus, Creswell Chs. 1 & 2; Jackson Ch. 1 (pgs. 5-21)
Research Proposal Assigned |
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Week 1
Wed. June 29 |
Five Traditions in Qualitative Inquiry; Philosophical and Theoretical Frameworks; Research Ethics |
Discussion Questions; Ethical Dilemmas |
Creswell Chs. 3, 4, & 5; Jackson Ch. 2 (pgs. 26-30), Ch. 12 (pgs. 261-270)
Assignment 1: Research Methods in Your Discipline
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Week 2
Tues. July 5 |
Introducing and Focusing the Study; Data Collection and Procedures |
Discuss Research Proposals |
Creswell Chs. 6 & 7, supplemental reading
Assignment 2: Data Collection
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Week 2
Wed. July 6 |
Data Analysis |
Content Analysis; Coding Schemes
Computer Lab: Using NUD*IST |
Creswell Ch. 8, supplemental reading
Assignment 3: Content Analysis
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Part Two: Quantitative Methods and Statistics |
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Week 3
Mon. July 11
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Defining, Measuring, & Manipulating Variables |
Research Critique |
Creswell Chs. 10 & 11
Midterm Exam
Assignments 1 & 2 Due
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Week 3
Wed. July 13 |
Survey Methods |
Scale and Survey Construction |
Jackson Chs. 2 (pgs. 31-46) & supplemental reading
Assignment 3 due
Assignment 4: Survey Construction
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Week 3
Fri. July 15 |
Descriptive Statistics; Correlational Methods |
Computer Lab: Using SPSS, Assessing Scale Reliability, Correlation and Regression |
Jackson Chs. 4 & 5
Assignment 5: Descriptive and Correlational Analyses
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Week 4
Mon. July 18 |
Hypothesis Testing and Inferential Statistics
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Problem Sets |
Jackson Ch. 6
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Week 4
Tues. July 19
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Experimental Designs; Inferential Statistics-Two Group Designs |
Computer Lab: z test, t tests, and chi square |
Jackson Chs. 7 & 8
Assignment 4 Due
Assignment 6: Inferential Statistics
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Week 4
Wed. July 20 |
Inferential Statistics-Three or More Groups; Complex Experimental Design
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Interpreting Interactions; Computer Lab: Experiencing Experiments; ANOVA |
Jackson Chs. 9 & 10
Assignment 5 due
Experiencing Experiments survey due
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Week 5
Mon. July 25 |
Complex Experimental Design (continued); Review; Student Presentations |
Interpreting Interactions
Method Critiques |
Jackson Ch. 11 & supplemental reading
Assignment 6 Due
Research Proposal Due
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Week 5
Wed. July 27
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Student Presentations |
Method Critiques |
Final Exam |
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