Time Schedule:
Craig W. Thomas
PPM 502
Seattle Campus
Provides a rigorous foundation for interdisciplinary research design. Introduces iconic types of theory (predictive, interpretive, and explanatory) and the philosophical foundations underlying these. Reviews a range of methodological approaches to research: experimental and quasi-experimental, statistical and quasi-statistical, comparative case-study, ethnographic, and triangulation. Offered: A.
Class description
This course introduces graduate students to basic research issues in the applied social sciences and develops practical skills for conducting research. The goal is to provide solid grounding in the logic of research design—not to achieve proficiency in any one methodology. As an introductory course, you need not have any prior background in research methods; the course is, nonetheless, rigorous.
Student learning goals
Recognize the types of methods appropriate for addressing particular research questions;
design your own research project in a dissertation prospectus or grant proposal; and
identify methodological strengths and weaknesses in published research in your field.
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
