RESEARCH METHODS RES 5000
Clinical Mental Health Counseling & Professional School Counseling
Fall 2014 & Spring 2015
Dr. George Maycock
Office hours: Tue 2:00-4:00PM & Wed 2:00-4:00pm, room 426E
email:
Class website at www.asulearn.appstate.edu
Course Description
A study of research methods, including those used in experimental, non-experimental, qualitative, action research, evaluation, and policy analysis designs. The course is practitioner-oriented with the primary focus on enabling students to read, interpret, and conduct research aimed at improving their practice in their chosen profession. The course includes a unit on managing and analyzing research data by computer.
Course Rationale: Professionals are consumers and producers of research. The ability to read, understand and critically evaluate published research articles is necessary, and the professional must also be able to design and carry out studies to generate answers to questions.
Course Objectives
1. Develop an understanding of the application of the scientific inquiry approach to the study of problems and professional issues.
2. Become familiar with the resources available for research including the library and internet.
3. Understand the basics of the various types of qualitative and quantitative research designs.
4. Understand the methods and tools of research.
5. Read and interpret published research reports in a scholarly manner.
6. Understand and apply basic concepts of descriptive and inferential data analysis.
7. Understand legal and ethical issues in research.
CACREP Curricular Experiences
In addition to the other stated objectives, RES 5000 Research Methods meets the following CACREP common core and DMHC and/or PSC specialty requirements:
Common Core
G.8.a. The importance of research in advancing the counseling profession. (In-class discussion; Chapters 1 and 10 Quizzes).
G.8.b Research methods such as qualitative, quantitative, single-case designs, action research, and outcome-based research. (In-class discussion; Chapters 7-11 & 14-19 Quizzes).
G.8.c Statistical methods used in conducting research and program evaluation. (In-class discussion; Chapters 12 & 13 Quizzes).
G,8.d. Principles, models, and applications of needs assessment, program evaluation, and the use of findings to effect program modifications. (In-class discussion; Chapter 20 & class website topic # 10 Quizzes).
G.8.e. The use of research to inform evidence-based practice. (In-class discussion; Chapters 10 & 11Quizzes).
G.8.f. Ethical and culturally relevant strategies for interpreting and reporting the results of research and/or program evaluation studies. (In-class discussion; Chapters 1& 22 Quizzes).
Course Competencies
1. Be able to critically interpret published research reports.
2. Know how to use the library and internet resources for research.
3. Know how to design a research study.
4. Know methods and tools for carrying out a research study.
5. Know how to address research questions with either qualitative or quantitative methods.
6. Be able to use descriptive and inferential data analysis.
7. Know the ethical issues involved in developing a research project.
Topical Content Outline
· Introduction to research methods, ethical and legal issues and basic terms used in research.
· Developing a research project: Research question, literature review, hypothesis.
· Selecting and measuring subjects: Sampling, validity, reliability, measurement.
· Non-experimental research methods: Descriptive, surveys, correlational and causal-comparative designs.
· Experimental research methods: Case study, ethnographic techniques.
· Action research: Paradigms, practitioner-oriented, observation and reflection.
· Evaluation and policy analysis: Purposes, typical approaches and methods.
· Organizing, managing and analyzing data: Databases, spreadsheet software, statistical methods.
· Exploration of published research on a specific topic within the field of interest.
· Design of a research project.
Method of Teaching
Lecture, discussion, group activities, practice scenarios, web materials, computer lab.
Course requirements, evaluation criteria, & due dates
1. Research paper – graded in accordance with acceptable APA format and inclusion of appropriate research paper components. 30% of final grade (40% of final grade if research is carried out, rather than proposed – exam then = 30%). Due second to last week of semester.
2. Practice quizzes on line –AsULearn review quizzes with mastery at the 80% correct level by due date (quizzes may be taken as many times as needed) – 10% of final grade.
3. Class participation/homework completion (in-class & on AsULearn) by due dates –10% of final grade.
4. Data analysis open book exam – due by last class – 10% of final grade.
5. Exam – 40% of final grade. Last class.
Class attendance
Weekly readings, practice quiz completion, and attendance at web class activities & discussions is expected. For additional information on ASU attendance policies, disability services & academic integrity code see www.academicaffairs.appstate.edu/syllabi.
Required readings
1. TEXT: Gay, Mills & Airasian. (2012). Educational Research: Competencies for Analysis and Application (10th ed.). Merrill. ISBN 13: 978-0-13-233877-6. This is the only item required (Myeducationlab supplement is not required).
2. Additional course information, chapter outlines and class schedule, available on the class website.
Recommended references & readings
1. American Psychological Association Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association . Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
2. SPSS Student Version for Windows. Prentice Hall.
Evaluation Criteria & Rubric
1. Research paper (30% of final grade)
A – Research is on an appropriate topic related to student’s professional area. Paper is written in acceptable APA format, 8-12 typed double spaced pages, with 8-12 articles summarized in review of literature. Also, all components of paper are included. (See Textbook Chapter 21 and web summary of paper requirements).
B – Paper not written in acceptable APA Thesis format, or is lacking in three or more of the APA Thesis component areas.
C – Paper is lacking in six or more of the APA Thesis component areas.
2. Practice quizzes (10%)
A – All quizzes are taken and passed at the 80% correct mastery level by due date (one week after assigned). Quizzes may be taken as many times as needed.
B – One or more quizzes not taken or passed at the 80% correct level.
C – Three or more review quizzes not taken or passed at the 80% correct level.
3. Class participation/homework (10%)
A – All homework assignments & discussions completed by due date.
B – One or two assignments late or not completed.
C – Three or more assignments late or not completed.
4. Data analysis open book exam (10%)
A – Exam problem completed on time with no more than two missed question components.
B – Three to five missed questions
C – More than five missed questions
.
5. Exam (40%)
A – Ten or less questions missed on exam.
B – Eleven to twenty questions missed on exam.
C – Twenty-one to thirty questions missed on exam.
Grading Scale
A 93-100
A- 90-92
B+ 88-89
B 83-87
B- 80-82
ASU is committed to making reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented qualifying disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Those seeking accommodations based on a substantially limiting disability must contact and retgister with the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at www.ods.appstate.edu or 828-262-3056. Once registration is complete, individuals will meet with ODS staff to discuss eligibility and appropriate accommodations.
Refer to ASU Academic Affairs website for information on the ASU Academic Integrity Code and the ASU Religious Observance Policy.