DPLS 720: Principles of Research
Summer 2008 3 credits
Professor: Sandra M. Wilson, Ph. D.
Office: 254 RC
Office phone: (509) 323-3517
email: Wilson@gonzaga.edu
Course Overview
Research provides leaders the opportunity to gain new knowledge which, subsequently, can change how they understand self, how they view the world, and how they lead others. Self-reflection and a form of humble critical depth in relation to self and others is often the result of openness toward the research process. This class includes a discussion of basic premises regarding how we learn and how this learning influences and is influenced by research. Different ways of knowing become apparent through analyzing two predominant social science research paradigms: quantitative and qualitative. These two paradigms provide a framework for reviewing traditional research methods and related theory development. As well, the class considers these frameworks and inherent research methods from various postmodernism, appreciative inquiry, and action research perspectives.
Course ObjectivesThis course promotes understanding of:
1. How we learn (gain new meanings) from research.
2. Two predominant social science research paradigms (quantitative and qualitative), their underlying assumptions, and how they impact what we learn from research.
3. Postmodernism, its underlying assumptions and how it relates to our knowing in today’s world.
4. The role of theory in research.
5. Basic principles of conducting quantitative research in the form of survey, experimental, and unobtrusive research:
a. methods of observation
b. sampling
c. data collection
d. data analysis
e. ethical issues
6. Basic principles of conducting qualitative research in the form of field research, case study, and phenomenology:
a. methods of observation
b. sampling
c. data collection
d. data analysis
e. ethical issues
Texts for the CourseBabbie, E.R. (2007). The practice of social research.
Wilson, S.M. The basics of descriptive statistics..
Course Evaluation
Grades will be based on:
In-class participation 10%
Worksheets 30%
3 critical analyses of articles 25%
Research proposal 35%
Grade Assignments:
95-100% A
90-94% A-
85-89% B+
80-84% B
75-79% B-
70-74% C+
(Note: below 70% is not acceptable at Ph.D. level)Note: If you need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability, please contact me as soon as possible. Disability Resources, Education, & Access Management (Foley, 2nd Floor, 323-4134) will help verify the need for accommodations and develop accommodation strategies. If you have not contacted them previously, I encourage you to do so.
Schedule of Class Topics, Reading Assignments, and Written Assignments
| Session | Topics | Readings/ Assignments |
Session # 1 June 25 |
| Babbie: chapters 1-2 Handouts # 1-3 |
Session # 2 July 2 |
| Babbie: chapters 4-5 Handout 4 Basic Stats Book pp 1-19 |
Session # 3 July 9 |
| Babbie: chapters 7 & 9 Due: Worksheet # 1** |
Session # 4 July 16 |
| Babbie: chapters 8, 11 & 14 Due: Critical Analysis # 1** Due: Worksheets # 2 & # 3** |
Session # 5 July 23 |
| Babbie: chapter 10 Basic Stats Book pp 20-49 Due: Critical Analysis # 2* Due: Worksheet # 4 |
Session # 6 July 25 FRIDAY |
| Babbie: chapters 13 & 3 Handouts # 5-6 Worksheet # 5, Critical Analysis # 3** |
Session # 7 July 30 |
| Due: Research proposal All worksheets and Critical Analysis papers (final drafts |
** Note: The worksheets and critical analyses submitted at these times are considered to be working drafts. I will give you feedback on your work to assist you in completing the final drafts, which are due the last class session.