Introduction to Research Methods

4 units · Graduate professional courses (400-499)

Lecture, three and one half hours. Introduction to different approaches, designs, and methods of conceptualizing inquiry and gathering evidence in the social sciences, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches. Introduction also to ethical considerations in social scientific research. Lectures, readings, and assignments highlight these multiple methods of research and the norms for reporting research in the social sciences. Sessions are interactive with lectures, discussions, group work, and opportunities for individual consultations on projects. Readings exemplify different approaches and methods. Discussions and assignments focus on how material may inform the research process for the capstone project including conducting a literature review, constructing research questions and research design, constructing instruments, collecting and analyzing data, presenting research findings, and formulating a theory of change. Letter grading.