University of Central Florida s6

University of Central Florida

Course: ST: Honors Research Methods in Health and Public Affairs

Course & (Room Number): PAFH 3930H (HPA, 111)

Fall 2004

Professor: Lee E. Ross, Ph.D.

Office: HPA1, Rm. 355

Phone: 407-823-0757

Email:

Office Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 1p-5p and by appointment

Course Description:

This course provides an overview of applied research methods in the fields of Criminal Justice, Nursing, Health Professions, Public Administration, and Social Work. As an Honors Student, this course fosters a creative analysis of research reports where students participate in the design of applied research projects. The course will also prepare students to recognize how research logic can enhance critical thinking skills. Overall, the course will assist Honors Students in designing an applied research project and proposal for further execution.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student will:

v Creatively analyze research reports

v Understand barriers to research utilization

v Understand the benefits of research utilization

v Conduct a review of the relevant research literature

v Develop applicable research questions

v Develop appropriate research designs

v Design an applied research proposal

REQUIRD TEXTBOOKS:

Neuman, W.L. (2003). Social Research Methods: Qualitative & Quantitative Analysis (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

REQUIRED STUDENT WORKBOOK

Neuman, W.L. (2003). Social Research Methods: Qualitative & Quantitative Analysis (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

All students are also required to purchase a pack of 3X5 index cards.

EVALUATION OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE

FIRST EXAM 15 Pointsâ. This exam covers all assigned readings and relevant class discussion

SECOND EXAM 20 Points. This exam covers all assigned readings since the first exam and relevant class discussion

THIRD EXAM 20 Points. This exam covers all assigned readings since the second exam and relevant class discussion

FINAL EXAM 20 Points. This exam is non-cumulative and covers all assigned readings since the third exam and relevant class discussion.

RESEARCH

PROPOSALS 15 Points. All students are required to give a 15 minute presentation of their proposed research project as partial fulfillment of Honors in the Major requirements

PARTICIPATION &

DISCUSSION* 10 Points. This is based on class preparedness, oral discussion and physical presence. If you are not prepared for class, you will not receive credit. You are simply here.

WORKBOOK

ASSIGNMENTS 100 points. This is based on the completion of assigned exercises from student workbooks. All assignments are graded and returned to students in the following class. Exercises are assigned as either part of home work or art of an in class activity.

EXTRA CREDIT: 10-25 points. Anyone falling short of their desired score on any of the first three exams can write a three-page “critical essay” on articles placed on reserve. The purpose of the critique is to analyze various issues related to crime and justice. Reaction Paper scores can range from 10 to 25 points added to an exam score. Students can only write one reaction paper during this course. Stay tuned for details and handouts. The last day to hand in a reaction paper is November 30, 2004.

Given the diversity of topics in this course, films were scheduled to facilitate class discussions. Occasionally, guest speakers from various disciplines and areas of expertise will join us. Consequently, students are responsible for the content of these guest lectures besides those of the professor.

Total Possible Points (200) excluding extra credit. Final grades are based on the following point accumulation:

188-200 A

178-187 A-

172-177 B+

166-171 B

160-165 B-

154-159 C+

148-153 C

142-147 C-

136-141 D+

130-135 D

125-129 D-

128 or less F

CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM: ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT

Plagiarism: is the act of presenting, as one's own, an idea or product derived from an existing source. If you plagiarize any written assignment, you will loose credit for that assignment, while more serious penalties are explored. Likewise, I do not expect any student to cheat on an exam. If, however, you absolutely cannot help yourself, please refer to The Golden Rule (the University of Central Florida’s Student Handbook) or log on to www.ucf.edu-goldernrule for details.

DISABLED STUDENT SERVICES: Support services are available which meets the needs and interests of disabled students. Please contact Student Disability Services.

Note: By Federal Law, students must not be given access to the grades of others, nor have their own released without their consent. This is a reminder to you that [as your professor] it is illegal [for me] to post or display grade information using any personal identification of the student, including, but not limited to, social security numbers (in full), names, etc. Therefore, the first three exams will be returned in class. The final exam scores will be posted (by the last four digits of your social security number) outside of HPA 355. Otherwise, Anyone who request their final exam score via e-mail will receive it via e-mail.

REQUIRED READINGS

Dates** Subject

8-24-04 Chapter 1: Science and Research

8-26-04 Chapter 2: Dimensions of Research

8-31-04 Chapter 2: Dimensions of Research

9-02-04 Chapter 3: Theory and Research

9-04-04 Chapter 3: Theory and Research

9-07-04 Chapter 4: The meanings of Methodology

9-09-04 Chapter 4: The meanings of Methodology

9-14-04 First Examination***

9-16-04 Chapter 5: The Literature Review and Ethical Concerns

9-21-04 Chapter 5: The Literature Review and Ethical Concerns

9-23-04 Chapter 6: Qualitative and Quantitative Research Designs

9-28-04 Chapter 7: Qualitative and Quantitative Measurement

9-30-04 Chapter 8: Qualitative and Quantitative Sampling

10-05-04 Chapter 8: Qualitative and Quantitative Sampling

10-12-04 Second Examination***

10-14-04 Chapter 9: Experimental Research

10-19-04 Chapter 10: Survey Research

10-21-04 Chapter 10: Survey Research

10-26-04 Chapter 11: Nonreactive Research and Secondary

Data Analysis

10-28-04 Chapter 12: Analysis of Quantitative Data

11-02-04 Chapter 12: Analysis of Quantitative Data

11-04-04 Third Examination***

11-09-04 Chapter 13: Field Research