Mar 28, 2024  
2019 - 2020 Cowley College Academic Catalog 
    
2019 - 2020 Cowley College Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

NAS4126 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS COURSE PROCEDURE


NAS 4126 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS 

1 Credit Hour

Student Level:  

This course is open to students on the college level in either their freshman or sophomore year.

Catalog Description:

NAS4126 - Introduction to Research Methods (1 hr)

This course is designed to provide students majoring in natural sciences and related fields with a hands-on introduction to research, including the fundamental process and theoretical need. 

Course Classification:

Individualized Instruction

Prerequisites:

Instructor Approval

Controlling Purpose:

This course is designed to provide students majoring in natural sciences and related fields with hands-on introduction to research, including the fundamental process and theoretical need.

Learner Outcomes:

Upon completion of the course, the student will have an understanding of the nature, design, and implementation of the research process.

Unit Outcomes for Criterion Based Evaluation:

The following defines the minimum core content not including the final examination period. Instructors may add other content as time allows.

UNIT 1: Introduction to Research

Outcomes:  Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to assess the basic requirements for research projects.

  • Identify the necessity for research
  • Describe the main components of a research process
  • Explain and analyze ethics standards in research
  • Identify necessary skills to the research process
  • Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative approaches
  • Identify and utilize various information sources such as books, journals, and computers

UNIT 2: Steps of the Research Process

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to construct and evaluate the components of a research project.

  • Identify and evaluate research problems
  • Construct and evaluate literature reviews
  • Construct and evaluate the research purpose, questions, objectives, and/or hypotheses
  • Outline the various methods of data collection
  • Outline the various methods of interpreting and analyzing data
  • Outline the various methods of reporting data

UNIT 3: Research Design

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to select and implement appropriate research designs for various studies.

  • Identify the key components of an experiment
  • Outline the various methods of research design
  • Identify strengths and limitations of various research designs
  • Identify elements of validity and quality control

Projects Required:

Critiques of various research studies

Construction of a mini-proposal for a research study

Textbook:

None

Materials/Equipment Required:

Computer Access

Attendance Policy:

Students should adhere to the attendance policy outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Grading Policy:

The grading policy will be outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Maximum class size:  

Based on classroom occupancy

Course Timeframe:  

The U.S. Department of Education, Higher Learning Commission and the Kansas Board of Regents define credit hour and have specific regulations that the college must follow when developing, teaching and assessing the educational aspects of the college. A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally-established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit or an equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. The number of semester hours of credit allowed for each distance education or blended hybrid courses shall be assigned by the college based on the amount of time needed to achieve the same course outcomes in a purely face-to-face format.

Refer to the following policies:

402.00 Academic Code of Conduct

263.00 Student Appeal of Course Grades

403.00 Student Code of Conduct

Disability Services Program:  

Cowley College, in recognition of state and federal laws, will accommodate a student with a documented disability.  If a student has a disability, which may impact work in this class, which requires accommodations, contact the Disability Services Coordinator.