The main objective of this course is to provide students with a basic understanding of research methodology. The course will equip students with an understanding of basic principles of research design and strategy, including an understanding of how to formulate researchable problems. This course is geared towards preparing students for their research work by focusing on the relative strengths and weaknesses of various data collection and interpretation techniques.

Introduction to Research • What is research? (the process of scientific inquiry) • Thesis vs. project Developing a Research Question • What is a Research Question? • Why do we need a Research Question? • Characteristics of a good Research Question • Brainstorming and concept mapping • Steps to developing a Research Question Writing a Literature Review • Developing an outline for the literature review (The Funnel) • Developing the theoretical basis for the Research Question • Searching for, locating and organizing relevant professional literature • Using traditional and meta-analytic literature reviews • Critically reviewing the literature • Refining the research question • Research Questions vs. Hypotheses • Writing a first draft • Obtaining, giving, and making productive use of feedback • The redrafting process • Professional formatting Understanding Research Methods • Quantitative research • Qualitative research Designing a Study • Consider the range of possible methods • Select a research method • Sampling • Design • Materials • Procedure • Analysis Ethics in Research • Ethical research • Ethical use of human subjects • Informed consent forms • Completing ethics proposals