Research Methods ((3 Credits))

Catalog description

Research in the public sector serves to inform new policies and evaluate existing ones. Conducting meaningful research is truly a process. This course will provide a framework for initiating, developing, and implementing research methodologies to answer context-appropriate policy questions. The course will focus on the fundamentals of quantitative and qualitative analysis and the elements of research design necessary to conduct policy-relevant public sector research. Quantitative and qualitative research approaches will be examined through the lenses of formulating a research question, research design, the identification of key variables, establishing appropriate measurement devices, and carrying out appropriate methods of data collection. The course will also discuss research ethics and help students identify and comply with ethical concerns in conducting research with human subjects. This course was previously RAM-620591.