EDUC 365 - Social Science Research Methods

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

This course introduces students to traditional research methods used in social science research with a special focus on the field of educational research. The course covers both qualitative and quantitative research methods, and places them both on a research methods continuum. By doing so, students learn how research method(s) can be employed at any part on the continuum, whether they are using qualitative or quantitative methodologies or a mixed-methods approach in their research design. The course combines classroom instruction, individual and group exercises, research instrument development, and a field research project (i.e., a course practicum) through which students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be critical actors in the design, implementation, analysis, and use of research methods. Questions examined in the course include: What are research methods, and how are they developed, used, and analyzed in research projects? What are the relative strengths and limitations of research methods and research designs? What are standard approaches for assessing the quality of social science research and its implications in various fields? What are prominent research methods for collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data? What are common threats to validity and what measures can researchers take to minimize their impact on a study? What are effective techniques for presenting research findings to a range of audiences? Jaime L. Del Razo.

One 3-hour period.

Course Format: CLS