University of BridgeportTMPD 702

Exploration in Research Methodologies------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Ruba S. Deeb, Ph.D. Office: Charles Dana Hall 215Phone: 203.576.4399 E-mail: rubadeeb@bridgeport.eduOffice Hours: Tuesdays 3:00 – 6:00 pm, Wednesdays 8:30 – 10:00 am, or by appointment-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Course Description and Objectives:This course provides in-depth knowledge of research design and methodology and trains the student in preparing a research study plan as well as critically reviewing scientific literature. Students will be introduced to quantitative and qualitative methods for conducting meaningful research investigations. They will gain an overview of research intent and design, methodology and technique, format and presentation, and data management and analysis informed by statistical methods. Students will gain practice in the challenges of thinking critically, dealing with the unexpected, and overcoming hurdles that are not typically encountered in a classroom environment. This course emphasizes written and oral communication skills so that students are prepared to move into a professional setting. (3 semester hours) On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Understand a wide variety of scientific research designs and methods Learn how to set up a research study Understand proper ways to refer and cite from scientific literature Discuss and explain differences between different research methods Develop skills in evaluating technology management (TM) research Formulate research plans Critically assess different research designs Analyze, compare, and review scientific literature Discuss views on published research

Required Course Material:Creswell, J. W. (2014) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, 4th edition, Sage. ISBN 978-1452226101 (paperback).

Supporting Texts and On-line Resources: Miles, Matthew B. and A. Michael Huberman (2014) Qualitative Data

Analysis, 3rd edition, Sage. ISBN 978-1452257877 (paperback).

CITI Training (Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative) Students will take online modules for CITI training in conducting research.To register with CITI, go to the CITI website and create an account (www.citiprogram.org). List University of Bridgeport as your institution.

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You will then pick Responsible Conduct of Research as the Course. You will need to accept the Assurance Statement and then it will allow you to go to individual modules.Note: The modules can be done out of order. After completion of all the modules, you will receive a certificate that you should save and print a copy

Steneck, Nicholas H. Office of Research Integrity (ORI) Introduction to the Responsible Conduct of Research. HHS office of Research Integrity, Washington, DC, 2011 (http://ori.dhhs.gov/publications/ori_intro_text.shtml)

Misconduct cases: http://ori.hhs.gov/misconduct/cases/

Additional handouts and reading material for the course will be provided.

Course Responsibilities:

Policy on Plagiarism and Academic Integrity:Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas, words, or artistic, scientific, or technical work as one’s own creation. Using the idea or work of another is permissible only when the original author is identified. Paraphrasing and summarizing, as well as direct quotations, require citations to the original source. Plagiarism may be intentional or unintentional. Lack of dishonest intent does not necessarily absolve a student of responsibility for plagiarism.

Attendance and Make-up PoliciesA major portion of the course grade is derived from class participation and attendance; therefore, attendance is expected. Excused absences can be made up by reviewing the appropriate notes and submitting a written overview of the topic. If more than three unexcused absences occur, the student will receive an Incomplete in the class and will have to make up the course.

Assignments and ProjectsIt is expected that each student that attends one hour of classroom instruction will require at least two hours of out of class preparation each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester. It is the student’s responsibility to learn the material and to do the work. Be prepared to turn in an original version of the work every week. Assignments should be typed and turned in on the due date. Late assignments will receive half credit.

Student EvaluationA significant portion of the course will be classroom-based collaborative discussions relevant to topics outlined in the course schedule below

- Classroom participation (including attendance): 50%

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- Assignments: 30%- CITI online RCR course completion: 10%- Final presentation: 10%

Tentative Course Schedule – plan aheadSession Topic In-class Activities Assignments

1 Course introduction to the process of conducting research

-Student introductions & backgrounds-Course expectations

2 Ethics in research and informed consent

Research misconduct case discussions

Register & initiate the CITI testing modules for RCR certification

3 Developing a research project; setting realistic expectations; identifying a hypothesis and/or research problem; specifying a purpose; creating research questions; building a framework for success

DiscussionGuest speaker

-Article reviews-Identify research designs-Create a hypothesis

4 The mechanics of proposal writing, the funding environment and high stakes writing

Discussion -Write your research objective statement-Write your research abstract

5 Peer reviews and the importance of getting and providing critical feedback

Peer review case discussions Conduct a peer review of a research manuscript

6 Library research tools and literature review with library resources; developing a bibliography and properly citing sources within texts

Guest speaker Conduct a literature review with a bibliography draft for your research abstract

7 Writing and publishing your research

Discussion

8 Midterm - Complete your CITI testing and turn in your certificate

9 Introduction to qualitative research; sampling and collection techniques

Discussion Identify qualitative research problems in your workplace/discipline

10 Introduction to quantitative research; sampling and data collection tools

Discussion Making predictions

11 Presenting at conferences; networking and team science

DiscussionGuest speaker

Start your poster

12 Making scientific posters – not too much, not too little

Finalize your poster – turn in poster

13 Write a mock research proposal Prepare your mock proposal14 Final - Research presentations

of mock proposalsPresentations and Discussion

**NOTE: ASSIGNMENTS AND PRESENTATION DATES WILL BE ANNOUNCED AND TOPICS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**

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