Course Description
Foundational research course introduces students to the philosophical underpinnings of scientific inquiry and methodological approaches used in social, behavioral, health, and human sciences research. Students develop critical skills about knowledge generation, explore research paradigms, gain exposure to quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches, and emerging skills to become independent researchers. Prerequisite: Admission to a graduate program in the School of Health and Human Sciences.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
Articulate major philosophical foundations of scientific inquiry and their implications for research design (e.g., compare positivist, interpretivist, and pragmatist research paradigms).
Critically synthesize research across multiple methodological traditions.
Distinguish appropriate research methods for different areas of inquiry, including the primary methods within social, health, and human sciences.
Develop well-formed research questions consistent with paradigm and selected research approach.
Identify appropriate research approaches for different types of inquiry.
Apply ethical principles to research design and conduct.
Course Grading Information:
Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
Class participation | 5% |
Weekly assignments | 15% |
Article review | 10% |
Short writing assignments (3 assignments x 10 points) | 30% |
Research proposal | 25% |
Research presentation | 15% |
Grading Scale
Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
93 – 100 % | A |
90 – 92 % | A- |
87 – 89 % | B+ |
83 - 86 % | B |
80 – 82 % | B- |
77 – 79 % | C+ |
73 - 76 % | C |
70 – 72 % | C- |
67 – 69 % | D+ |
63 - 66 % | D |
60 – 62 % | D- |
59 % and below | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Since this course is half seminar/half practice, success of the course is dependent upon student preparation, engagement, and active participation (5% of course grade).
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
No course materials are required.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.