COURSE SYLLABUS -
TERM: SPRING 1, 2008 (1/07/08-3/07/08) – Tuesday Night
COURSE: GERN 5660 RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT METHODS IN GERONTOLOGY
INSTRUCTOR: Sandra Robinson SITE: Albuquerque Graduate Center
EMAIL: HOMEPAGE: (www.unm.edu/~sandy/HRD.GERN)
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION: GERN 5660
The course introduces the student to basic statistical methods, methods of research, and methods of assessment. The research aspect of the course includes the empirical research process, the deductive method, the inductive method, the survey, the field experiment, the field study, and program evaluation. In addition, the student is introduced to the basics of statistics as these apply to research and assessment. Basic research methods in gerontological administration and programming are examined and applied. This course is cross-listed with COUN5850.
II. Incoming competency of student expected by instructor:
GERN 5000 Gerontology. Be able to use email, email attachments, the Internet. Use of Web pages and email will be required for all homework assignments and tests.
III. Intent of Course/ Objectives:
1. To familiarize students with the major themes, principles and concepts underlying research and assessment in Gerontology.
2. To cover basic descriptive and inferential statistics in the context of Gerontology.
3. To teach basic survey methodology, one of the most commonly used research tools in Gerontology field.
IV. Course Level Learning Outcomes:
After reading the assigned chapters in the text and the Webpage lectures and attending class lectures, using lecture notes, handouts and the textbook, in written format:
1. Students will be able to measure their results against Gerontology theory-based criteria and standards of performance.
2. Students will be able to apply a basic research method to analyze and evaluate the success of Gerontology programs.
3. Students will be able to appraise the utility of the survey methodology tool for Gerontology research
4. Students will be able design an appropriate survey feedback tool for a Gerontology situation.
5. Students will be able to recommend an appropriate research tool to use in Gerontology program evaluation.
6. Students will be able to differentiate between effective and ineffective Gerontology research.
7. Students will be able to prepare a fairly simple Gerontology research plan.
V. Course Content, schedule of required readings, class preparations and assignments, lectures, discussions, student presentations and exams:
(Note: Assigned Readings are to be completed before class period)
*NOTE PRIOR ASSIGNMENTS FOR WEEK 1 *
WEEK 1 LECTURE- Intro to Social Research
READ by Week 1 Science, Society and Social Research, Ch 1 pgs. 1-27 and The Process and Problems, Ch3 pgs. 53-87
ASSIGNMENT: * Prior to Week 1 -Go to HRD.GERN Webpage and various links (www.unm.edu/~sandy/HRD.GERN). Send instructor a test email and a test attachment. Also print a copy of the Sample Research Proposal found
under Handouts on HRD.GERN Web page and bring to class for all classes.
In-class Team work – Developing a topic and planning for research proposal. Come up with a research question. Be Creative; Think Big!
Exchange email addresses and phone numbers with members on your Team.
WEEK 2 LECTURE – Survey and Experiment
READ: Survey, Ch 8, pgs. 233-280 & Experiments, Ch 7 pgs. 200-229
ASSIGNMENT: Proposal Outline–locate instructions for research proposal outline on HRD.GERN Webpage. Bring instructions to class Week 3 for use in Team work.
In-class Team work: Develop a plan for Research Proposal
WEEK 3 LECTURE – Qualitative Research , Evaluation Research
READ: Qualitative Research Methods, Ch 9 pgs. 286-320, Qualitative Data Analysis, Chapter 10, pgs. 339-348, Evaluation Research, Ch 11, pgs. 357-382. ASSIGNMENT: 1. Each Team member - Find two articles that relate to the topic your Team has chosen for your research proposal and email the link URL address) and a one paragraph summary for each to your instructor. Bring a copy to share with Team members for in class work Week 4.
In class Team Work: Complete Proposal Outline in class and then Email one
Completed copy to instructor by Wk 4.
WEEK 4 LECTURE – Measurement, Sampling - Also conduct Focus Group
READ: Go to HRD.GERN Webpage. Locate link to, and read, on line lecture Measurement, Sampling & Causation, found under assignments. This online lecture summarizes Chapters 4, 5 and 6.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1.Find two more articles that relate to the topic you have chosen for your
Research proposal, write a one page summary of each. Email to instructor
with the citations for the articles by week 5. Bring a copy to class to share with your team.
In Class Group Work: Work on Methods Section if time permits.
WEEK 5 SPEAKER: – Using the Internet for Research and Funding
LECTURE - Data Analysis and Reading and Reporting Research
READ: by Week 5: Data Analysis Ch 14 pgs 441-484, Appendix C in
the Text – How to Read a Research Article and Reporting Research Ch 15, pgs. 450-471.
ASSIGNMENT: 1. Read the article titled Needs Analysis found under Handouts on the HRD.GERN Webpage. Write a short paper (no more than 2 pages) discussing this article and how Needs Analysis might be used in your own research proposal. Email to instructor by Week 6.
2. Print Reading Research Article assignment found under assignments on HRD.GERN Webpage and bring to class Week 7.
In class Group work: Working on Literature Review
WEEK 6 ONLINE LAB ASSIGNMENT – Midterm
READ:
1. Online lecture– Evaluation Research, Data Analysis and Reporting Research found under assignments on HRD.GERN Webpage. This online lecture summarizes Chapters 11, 14, and 15 and will be an excellent review for completion of test Qs.
2. REVIEW summaries of Chpt.7 & 8 & 9 found on HRD.GERN Webpage which are excellent reviews for completion of test Q’s.
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS:
1. Complete the 5 test questions found on the HRD.GERN Webpage under assignments. This take-home test covers #1 Survey, #2 Experiment, #3,.Qualitative Research, # 4 Evaluation Research and #5 Data Analysis. All questions have multiple parts.
2. Bring completed test to class on Week 7 or Email the completed test to instructor by Week 7.
NOTE: No Collaboration is Permitted on Test Questions.
WEEK 7 LECTURE: REVIEW
In Class Group Work – Complete Reading Research Questions in class and give one completed copy to instructor.
Work on Finalizing Proposals and Oral Presentation.
WEEK 8 ASSIGNMENT : Oral Presentations of Research Proposals RELAX;ENJOY!
WEEK 9 ASSIGNMENT : Oral Presentations of Research Proposals
WRITTEN RESEARCH PROPOSAL DUE (Hard Copy)
Wrap-up - LAST CALL! ALL work turned in!
VI. Required texts:
Investigating the Social World, by Russell K. Schutt, Pine Forge Press, 2006 (Edition 5)
Note: Edition changed Beginning Summer Term 2006 – Older texts not appropriate
VII. Supplemental readings: As assigned by instructor
VIII. Visual Aids: May use in Research Proposal presentation, but not required
IX. Course Requirements:
Itemized Course Requirements - % of 100% Research Proposal (20% and Oral Presentation (10%)
Test Questions (no collaboration permitted) (30%)
Active Participation in Project group work (10%)
Other Assignments which include:
1.Proposal Outline and finding sources assignments (5%)
2.Position/Summary Article2 (15%)
3.Reading Research Assignment (5%)
4.General Class Participation (5%)
X. Research Proposal and Oral Presentation Requirements:
Develop a professional quality Research Proposal which will include Title Page, Table of Contents, Project Summary, Project Description & Literature Review (includes: the Hypothesis or Problem Statement, a Critical Synthesis of the Literature and Related Research justifying why your research is worth doing), Project Objectives, Methodology Section, Evaluation Plan, Time-line, Budget, Bibliography, Citations and References. Using APA format, a minimum of 6 sources must be discussed and cited in the literature review and a minimum of 6 sources must be included in the references section.
Students will be expected to deliver a 10 minute, oral presentation summarizing the written proposal to the class. The Research Topic is subject to approval by instructor and should be discipline related. A sample proposal will be given to students to use as a guide.
XI. Grading Scale - A=95-100, A- =90-94, B+=87-89, B=84-86, B- =80-83,
C=70-79, F=below 70%
XII. Incompletes will be given for only extraordinary circumstances. Documentation will be required. The student will be expected to complete his/her incomplete by the end of the following term unless the instructor has agreed to other terms. If the work is not turned in by the end of the following term or an extension requested and granted, a grade will be
assigned based upon the material in hand. Incompletes should not be used inappropriately,
such as an extension to simply turn in material or work at a later time.
XIII. Course Attendance:
The University reserves the right to drop students who do not attend class the first two weeks of the term/semester. Students are expected to attend all class sessions of every course. In the case of unavoidable absence, the student must contact the instructor. The student is subject to appropriate academic penalty for incomplete or unacceptable makeup work, or for excessive or unexcused absences.
Any student having more than one absence (excused or unexcused) must complete a two page summary of each Text Chapter reading assignment assigned for the week missed.
Conduct:
Students enrolling in a degree program at Webster University assume the obligation of conducting themselves in a manner compatible with the University’s function as an education institution. Misconduct for which students are subject to discipline may be divided into the following categories:
1. All forms of dishonesty, cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the University.
2. Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other University activities or of other authorized activities on University premises.
3. Classroom disruption. Behavior occurring within the academic arena, including but not limited to classroom disruption or obstruction of teaching, is within the jurisdiction of Academic Affairs. In case of alleged campus and/or classroom disruption or obstruction, a faculty member and/or administrator may take immediate action to restore order and/or to prevent further disruption (e.g. removal of student[s] from class or other setting). Faculty members have original jurisdiction to address the immediacy of a situation, as they deem appropriate. When necessary and appropriate, Public Safety and/or the local [or military] police may be contacted to assist with restoring peace and order. Faculty response is forwarded to the academic dean (or his or her designee) for review and, if necessary, further action. Further action might include permanent removal from the course. Repeated offenses could lead to removal from the program and/or the University.
4. Theft of or damage to property of the University. Students who cheat or plagiarize may receive a failing grade for the course in which the cheating or plagiarism took place.
Students who engage in any of the above misconducts may be subject to dismissal from the University on careful consideration by the executive vice president of the University or his designee. To the extent that penalties for any of these misconducts (e.g. theft or destruction of property) are prescribed by law, the University will consider appropriate action under such laws.
Students are subject to the Student Code of Conduct and Judicial Procedure described in the Online Student Handbook.
XIV. Determination of Grades is Based On the Following Criteria:
Minimum Requirements:
Products (papers, case studies, projects) must be on time, in the correct format, corrected for spelling and grammar, appropriate materials included and referenced to-the-point and on topic and conclusions must be supported.
Examinations must be complete, accurate, neat, evidence clear thought, and exhibit concise and to-the-point responses.
Behavior in class discussions and group activities should be responsible, should exhibit open communication, be constructive, and helpful.
Mastery Level (Grade of “B”): Professional Achievement
Products must meet the requirements stated above for minimum requirements and additionally meet professional criteria. For example, documentation should be included to support research papers, the APA format should be used consistently throughout the paper, and substantially more than the minimum number of references should be included. Presentations should be logical, organized, and comprehensive.
Examinations should be organized, in depth, comprehensive, logical and complete, and evidence thorough understanding of the subject /topic through application of principles.
Classroom behavior should exhibit very focused activity and thought on the subject at hand, be motivated, and assist in discovery of new insights and relationships concerning the subject/topic of discussion.
Mastery Level Plus (Grade of “A”): Creative Achievement
Products must meet all requirements stated above and additionally meet creative criteria. These criteria include unique topic or subject selection, synthesis of ideas, evaluation of subject matter and positions found in the literature, be creative in approach, establish new relationships with ideas and provide new insights.
Examination responses indicate insightfulness of understanding, a synthesis of information and unique ideas, and rationale for application of principles following careful analysis.
Classroom behavior should exhibit very focused activity and thought on the subject at hand, be motivated, and assist in discovery of new insights and relationships concerning the subject/topic of discussion.
The grade of “A” represents the best work of students, accomplished in a unique and professional manner.
Note:
To achieve the objectives of this course, this syllabus may be revised at the discretion of the instructor without prior notification or consent of the student.
For Webster University policies and procedures, please refer to the Catalog and Student Handbook. If you have a documented disability as described in Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), you can contact our Academic Resource Center (ARC) at www.webster.edu/acadaffairs/asp/arc.htm, or call 800-981-9801, ext. 7620 to make arrangements for services. Also, please notify your site administrator if you are attending an extended campus.
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