Research Methods

Catalog description

This is an introductory course in research methods and design. The course is comprehensive, and, as such, students examine the entire research process including, formulating research questions; sampling; measurement (surveys, scaling, qualitative, and quantitative); research design (experimental and quasi-experimental); data analysis; and research writing. It also addresses the major theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of research, including the idea of validity in research, reliability of measures, and ethics. The course materials and text use an informal, conversational style to engage both the beginning and the more experienced students of research methods in several areas of study (e.g., psychology, business, nursing, social work, political science, and education). (Cross-listed as PSYC 2650)