Time Schedule:
Robert M Mason
LIS 570
Seattle Campus
Research as a process from problem definition and formulation of questions to design, data collection, analysis, and reporting. Students recognize research opportunities, translate them into researchable frameworks, design research projects, and implement results in libraries and other information agencies. Prerequisite: LIS 500, which may be taken concurrently.
Class description
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Identify ways in which research can inform professional practice • Understand basic concepts, methods, terminology, and definitions in qualitative and quantitative research • Evaluate the appropriateness and quality of questionnaires, interviews, and other data collection methods • Understand descriptive and some inferential statistics • Use a statistical software package • Select an appropriate research design and carry out a small research study • Organize, describe, present, and interpret data
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
This course introduces the philosophy underlying research in the social sciences and in library and information science and provides an overview of a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods. The course will discuss research ethics, the role of the researcher, and the theory and practice of developing new knowledge. The course structure uses lectures, presentations, and applied exercises that outline and demonstrate the concepts and topics.
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Grades are based on performance on six major assignments, outlined in the following table and described in more detail in the paragraphs below and on the course website. Assignments 1, 2, and 3 are individual work; assignments 4-6 are group activities.
No. Weight Assignment(Deliverable) / Due Date 1 5% Weekly journal (Individual) Each Monday AM 2 20% Research Methods Report (Individual) Nov. 10 3 20% Response Paper (Individual) To be scheduled 4 5% Abstract for Research Study Nov. 3 5 15% Team project oral presentation To be scheduled 6 35% Team project written report Dec. 9
