RESM 610 Research Methods

About the Course

This course is designed for an exploration of the fundamental processes of research. The course introduces students to the terminology, methods, and tools of scholarly research.  Specific topics include characteristics of historical, descriptive, quasi-experimental, experimental research, and qualitative research; measurement considerations as related to validity, reliability, generalizability, instrumentation, and data analysis; and ethical concerns. The course also addresses the practical aspects of writing a thesis/project proposal, gathering data, organizing the report, and presenting the findings.

Who Needs This Course?

• Graduate students:
  • MBA/MSA/ MPH/MA in Education
• This course may also be taken by
  • Business Professionals, Health Practitioners, Teachers for continuing education
  • Graduate students at other schools as transfer credit

Time Investment

This course utilizes experiential learning where you apply the research skills you learn from lecture notes, independent readings, and discussion forums in writing a research proposal, which is the major requirement of the course.  To succeed in this course, it is essential that you plan your schedule to be able to devote 15 to 18 hours per week to reading and thinking, participation in discussion forums, preparation of reading reports and reflective journals, taking self-check quizzes, and development of a research proposal draft.  You are responsible for keeping up with the requirements of this course.  I have high expectations for your commitment of time and quality of work.

Course Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the students will be able to:

1. Describe the research process in terms of the research problem, steps, designs, and methods.
2. Apply ethical principles in research procedures at all stages.
3. Review thoroughly the related scholarly literature.
4. Write a research proposal using a design of choice.
5. Conduct a mini empirical research study using a design of choice.

Topics to Cover

Week 1 – The Nature and Process of Research

Week 2 – Research Proposals and Completed Reports

Week 3 – Review of Literature

Week 4 – Research Designs: Quantitative

Week 5 – Research Designs: Qualitative

Week 6 – Data Collection

Week 7 – Data Analysis

Week 8 – Interpretation of Results