NAS4126 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 Time Frame:
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.
DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR THE OFFICIAL COURSE PROCEDURE CONTACT ACADEMIC AFFAIRS.
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