HD 5514 - Research Methods

Angela Huebner, Ph.D.                      

7054 Haycock Road, Room 202G
Falls Church, VA 22043
Phone: 703.538.8491  Fax: 703.538.8465
ahuebner@vt.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES:

            This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop a basic understanding of the research process, statistical data analyses, and the steps needed for successful completion of a quantitative thesis proposal.  The three primary objectives of this course are to prepare students to: (1) be proficient consumers of research literature, (2) produce quality research of their own, and (3) perform and interpret statistical data analyses as necessary for objectives 1 and 2.  To accomplish these objectives, students will be required to read from selected books and papers relating to the philosophy of science, family theory, research designs and methods, family measurement instruments, outcome research in family therapy, research ethics, and a variety of special issues such as gender and ethnicity.  In addition to the readings, a number of projects are required to give students the opportunity to have "hands on" experience with reviewing and critiquing published research, coding and analyzing data (SPSS), and developing a scholarly research proposal.

REQUIRED TEXT AND READING LIST:

Salkind, N. (2007). Statistics for People who Think They Hate Statistics (3^rd Edition). Thousand Oaks: Sage.

Sprenkle, D. H. & Piercy, F. P. (2005) (Eds.).  Research methods in family therapy (2^nd Edition).  New York: The Guilford Press.

White, J., & Klein, D. (2002). Family Theories (2^nd Edition). Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.

Supplementary readings will be available from the Blackboard website for the course at http://learn.vt.edu 

RECOMMENDED TEXT:

American Psychological Association. (2001).  Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. (Rev. ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

REQUIREMENTS:

            Your attendance and productive participation will be important aspects of the learning process. Therefore, you will need to read and be prepared to discuss and/or ask questions about the readings assigned each week.  If you cannot attend a class, please notify Dr. Huebner via e-mail.  Because class attendance is a key component of your learning, anyone who misses more than two classes for any reason will have their grade reduced ½ level (e.g. A to A-).

ASSIGNMENTS (Fall 2008):

NOTE: Unless prior arrangements have been made with the professor, your assignment grade will decrease 2 points for each day it is late.

 1. Class Preparation and Participation (25 points)

Every student will have read assigned reading material and contribute to class discussions.

 2.  Article Critique (50 points)

Every student will complete a critique of 1 quantitative research article (3-4 pages).  The article students will review will be available on the Blackboard website. The specific process and criteria for the critique will be discussed in class prior to the due date.  The critique is worth 30 points.  Critique due November 6.

 3.  Research Proposal (100 points) & Oral Presentation (25 points)

The research proposal process will be discussed during class. Different portions of the proposal can be submitted for feedback on the dates listed below. This is not required but is highly recommended. The final proposal is due Dec 4.

 Statement of the problem (due Oct 9)

 Overview of literature (9-10 major works in the area)

 Theoretical framework

Design: (Due Oct 30)

Sampling

Measures

Nov 13 & Nov 20:  Oral presentation of your proposal will take the form of a proposal meeting where the student’s committee meets with the student to identify strengths and weaknesses in the proposal and to brainstorm ways to correct flaws.  You will have 10-20 minutes to present your study and 10-20 minutes to get feedback.  Prepare a short handout (1 page) outlining your study to facilitate their being able to help you (this is required).  Your presentation should include a brief description of the problem and why your proposed study will be useful (2-3 minutes).  However, the primary focus should be on the methods you will use to reach your objectives. Your presentation, including the handout, will be graded for organization, clarity and completeness.

5.  Final exam (100 pts)

This exam will be completed in class on Dec 4. 

NOTE:  We encourage you to talk with your colleagues about research ideas, your thoughts about article critiques and your proposals. Of course, final written projects will be a result of your own work.  You are also strongly encouraged to meet with me to discuss your ideas and ask questions as needed.  Exams will be without the aide of books or friends.  All written assignments should be typed to receive full credit. 

GRADES

Grades will be based on the quality of work on the above assignments and exams (total points = 300).

Grading scale:

A  =  95% - 100% (288-300 pts)       B- =  81% - 83%  (243-251 pts)

A- =  91% - 94%  (273-287 pts)        C+ = 78% - 80%  (234-242 pts)

B+ =  88% - 90%  (264-272 pts)       C  =  74% - 77%  (222-233 pts)

B  =  84% - 87%  (252-263 pts)        C- =  71% - 73%  (213-221 pts)

 

Published by admin on September 18 of 2008