Leedy, P.D. (1997). Practical research: planning and design (6th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Marshall, C. & Rossman, G. B. (1999). Designing qualitative research (3rd ed.). London, UK: SAGE Publications, Inc

American Psychological Association. (1994). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (4th ed.). Washington DC: Author.

1. demonstrate practical skills for conducting original research and evaluating critically the research of others

2. evidence a developed ability to interpret research

3. review scholarly literature and write solid synopses of the arguments presented by scholars in that literature

4. exhibit skills in defining, constructing, formulating, designing, and conducting a sound research project;

5. distinguish between qualitative and quantitative methodologies, as well as be capable of explaining the relative value and utility of each.

1. Exam (40%)

Take home exam to cover text and class materials. Each examination will consist of short essays or brief exercises to ascertain basic understanding and knowledge of the subject.

2. Critique of Research Articles (2 @ 10% each)

Students will read and critique 2 qualitative research articles in terms of research design, methodology and appropriate analysis. A 3-5 page analysis should address questions about the rationale (reason for conducting the study, contribution to the field, etc), sampling (who were selected for the study and how were they selected?, how generalizable are results?), theory or hypothesis testing, (what question is the research trying to answer?), key variables, issues, themes (identify and address measures used), methodology (were the appropriate methods and analysis used?) and overall evaluation of the study. Articles for review will be provided.

3. Team Research Project and Paper 40%

Each student will participate as a team (2-3 members) to accomplish a mini-study involving qualitative research. Students will define the study problem and propose methods to address the problem, carry out data collection and analysis as a team. Each member of the team normally receives the same grade points, but any differences will be based upon individual effort. Class time will be allowed for team discussions. The research project will be summarized in 2 ways: a written paper and an in-class presentation. The American Psychological Association format will be followed for the paper. The paper should clearly identify variables, research design, qualitative methods, sampling of research participants and/or documents, and methods of analysis. A brief literature review is required. The emphasis should be on the development of a realistic project, focusing on interpretation of key variables of interest, and the use of sound methodology. Details of the requirements will be presented during the first class. The team written report and presentation will be evaluated for a total of 40 points