SS-200 Research Methods

Course Description: This course provides an introduction to the quantitative and qualitative research, through analysis and writing for the social and behavioral sciences. This course evenly balances the theoretical with the practical research. Students will develop scientific/critical thinking skills, the ability to plan and implement research projects, and the ability to clearly articulate research into writing.

Prerequisite Course(s): EN120a

A. PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs):
The student will be able to:

Demonstrate the ability to read, speak and write critically and effectively in English about Micronesian Studies Program course content.
Demonstrate proficiency in the geographical, historical, and cultural literacy of the Micronesian region.
Demonstrate proficient knowledge of the structure and functions of the government and social, political, and economic issues concerning the Micronesian Studies course content.
Demonstrate the ability to perform research and write papers relevant to Micronesia using different methods and technologies.
Demonstrate an appreciation of the requirements of good citizenship in the FSM.

B. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs) – GENERAL:
The student will be able to:

Explain and demonstrate a deep understanding and appreciation of the scientific process
Demonstrate the ability to plan and undertake general research strategies that utilize the research resources of libraries, the internet, and people
Demonstrate the ability to construct theories that successfully guide and structure research
Describe and demonstrate the ability to use different methods of research to collect and analyze data
Demonstrate the ability to craft a research paper

SLO	PLO1	PLO2	PLO3	PLO4	PLO5
1	ID		D	I
2	ID		D	D
3			D	D	D
4	D		D	ID
5	D	D	D	D	D

I = Introduced
D = Demonstrated
M = Mastered

C. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs) – SPECIFIC:
The student will be able to:

General SLO 1. Explain and demonstrate a deep understanding and appreciation of the scientific process.

Student Learning Outcomes	Assessment Strategies
1.1 Explain the significance of theoretical scope and level of abstraction in scientific thinking.	Test-score with rubric
1.2 Distinguish between explanation, prediction and speculation.	Class work
1.3 Explain the nature of the scientific approach and its limitations in the social sciences.	Class work
1.4 Explain the theory of developing and shifting paradigms in science.	Test-score with rubric

General SLO 2. Demonstrate the ability to plan and undertake general research strategies that utilize the research resources, using library materials, the internet, and people.

Student Learning Outcomes	Assessment Strategies
2.1 Demonstrate the ability to conduct a literature review.	Assignment with checklist
2.2 Demonstrate the ability to formulate and evaluate a research problem.	Class work/ Group work
2.3 Demonstrate the ability to collect and analyze both secondary and primary data.	Class work
2.4 Demonstrate the ability to use abstracts, indexes, books, periodicals, newspapers government documents, and online internet sources to undertake research.	Evaluate literature and websites- with checklist

General SLO 3. Demonstrate the ability to construct theories that successfully guide and structure research.

Student Learning Outcomes	Assessment Strategies
3.1 Use the scientific method as a tool of research.	literature review-score with rubric
3.2 Construct theories and hypotheses.	literature review-score with rubric
3.3 Explain the important roles of data, operationalization, validity, and reliability to the scientific process.	Test-score with rubric

General SLO 4. Describe and demonstrate the ability to use different methods of research to collect and analyze data.

Student Learning Outcomes	Assessment Strategies
4.1 Observe ethical issues that underlie the use of research methods.	Project- class exercise
4.2Develop, use and correctly interpret findings from category rank scales.	Class work
4.3Explain the basic rule for scaling subjective phenomena.	First project continued
4.5 Explain the principles for developing good questionnaires and interview schedule designs.	Test-score with rubric

General SLO 5. Demonstrate the ability to craft a research paper.

Student Learning Outcomes	Assessment Strategies
5.1 Extract meaning from factual data by using both secondary and primary sources.	Projects -surveys and interview practice questions created by students will be administered.
5.2 Clearly articulate research problem and findings in research paper.	Literature review assignment
5.3 Extract and organize research notes.	Class work
5.4 Write a research paper about an issue in Micronesia.	Major paper project score with rubric-research paper rubric will be used
5.6 Correctly cite source of research data (preferably, using the American Psychological Association (APA) format).	Major paper project-same as above

D. COURSE CONTENT

Introduction to the Scientific Process
Research Resources
Formulating the Research Problem
Methods of research
Writing Research Reports

E. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION
Lecture and audiovisual

F. REQURIED TEXT(S) AND COURSE MATERIALS
Williman, N. (2011) Research methods the basics. New York, New York: Routledge. (or most recent edition).

G. REFERENCE MATERIALS
As instructed by instructor

H. INSTRUCTIONAL COST
None

I. EVALUATION
None

J. CREDIT BY EXAMINATION
None

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SS-200 Research Methods