Course Description
The evaluation of research in the field of Human Development and Family Science and the skills necessary to critically evaluate and conduct research.
Athena Title
Research Methods in HDFS
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in HDFS 5110W
Prerequisite
(HDFS 2100 or HDFS 2100E or HDFS 2100H) and (HDFS 2200 or HDFS 2200E or HDFS 2200H or HDFS 2950 or HDFS 2950E)
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the contribution of original research in human development 2. Explain (written and oral) the strengths and weaknesses of various research methods in assessing human behavior 3. Explain (written and oral) the process of planning and conducting research, including challenges and the role of the IRB 4. Develop a research question and hypothesis to prepare a research proposal 5. Use library resources to identify relevant research literature 6. Explain, assess, and argue for appropriate research strategies 7. Use literature to identify research problems 8. Identify basic statistical analyses 9. Interpret and apply basic statistics in order to answer empirical questions 10. Apply feedback from instructor and peers to improve scientific writing
Topical Outline
Course introduction - Review of research terminology and ethical principles - Research strategies and problem identification - The literature and problem identification Research design - Developing research questions and hypotheses - Conceptualization and measurement, including reliability and validity - Sampling techniques and considerations of research methodologies (survey, observational, experimental, quasi- experimental, and qualitative design) Data analysis - Qualitative data - Descriptive statistics - Inferential statistics - Introduction to statistical software - Analysis: data preparation and descriptive statistics - Analysis: t-tests and ANOVAs - Analysis: correlation and regression - Analysis: advanced topics - Statistical conclusion validity Putting it all together: Research proposal
Syllabus