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Syllabus

Bowie State University of the

Maryland State University System

Course Number: PUAD 502

Course Title: Qualitative Research Methods

Term Dates: Term I (20 Aug - 12 Oct 2001)

Instructor:	Dr. Ken J. Kovach	Phone/fax: 01353 860671
	100 MSS	Office: UM Representative
	PSC 37, Box 3414	e-mail: INTERNET:KJKovach@cs.com
	APO AE 09459

Office Hours: Before or after class or upon appointment

Credit Hours: Three

Meetings: Mondays and Wednesdays 1800-2100 hours

RAF Lakenheath, Room TBA

Course Texts:

Leedy, P.D. & Ormrod, J.E. (2001). Practical research: planning and design (7^th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc.

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

Supplemental Material:

American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5^th ed.). Washington DC: Author.

Graziano, A.M. & Raulin, M.L. (1993). Research methods. New York; HarperCollins College Publishers.

Silverman, D. (1993). Interpreting qualitative data. London, UK: SAGE Publications, Inc.

Course Description: Focuses on the study and application of research methodology for organizations as a tool in decision-making. Emphasis is on theories and designs for data collection and analysis.

Course Objectives: At the completion of this course, a student will be able to understand:

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

2. how to interpret research findings and how to apply them,

3. the fundamental skills associated with measurement, sampling, and field work, and

4. the potential ethical problems associated with research.

Grading:	Midterm exam:	20 points	A	90-100 points
	Final exam:	20 points	B	80- 89 points
	Project:	40 points	C	70 -79 points
	Class Work:	20 points	F	below 70
	Total	100 points

Examinations: Each examination will consist of short essays or brief exercises to ascertain basic understanding and knowledge of the subject.

Project: Each student will complete a qualitative research report. Details of the requirements will be presented during the first class. The American Psychological Association format will be followed in its presentation. Content and presentation of the material are equally important and will be discussed during the first class. Class time will be allowed for report discussions. Also, each student will present the study during the last session.

Class Work: Each student is expected to actively participate in class discussion, to have thoroughly read all assignments, attend class punctually, and meet University of Maryland standards of integrity and conduct. Class assignments or taskings will be made during the term. Students who miss class work due to job or emergency reasons may accomplish makeup work for partial credit; however, since class discussion is important to learning, full credit for missing class sessions may not be allowed. Each case is reviewed on its merit. A subjective assessment, total value equaled to 30 points, will be made by the instructor based on a student's positive attitude towards learning, active class work, and acceptable behavior.

Class policies: Incompletes are only allowed for students who have had extenuating requirements and who are passing the course at the time of request. The instructor will determine the work required and the time approved for completion. Normal student

attention to classroom actions are expected; that is, no eating, smoking, wearing of hats, and other unacceptable activities. These and other policies will be discussed during the first class. Students missing classwork should coordinate with other students to acquire lecture notes, but should obtain handouts from the instructor. Academic integrity is required.

Course Schedule

Week 1 (20-22 Aug 2001)

Topics:

Introduction/Orientation

Overview of Research

Qualitative versus Quantitative Research

Research Question

Research Project

APA

Objectives:

1. Know and understand the scope of the course.

2. Define research and recognize differing methodologies.

3. Differentiate between research methods.

4. Understand the background and theory of research methods.

5. Become familiar with APA requirements.

Assignments:

Read Chapters 1-3 of Marshall and Rossman and Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 7 of Leedy & Ormrod. Review available materials useful in understanding qualitative research methodology and also review the APA.

Week 2 ( 27-29 Aug 2001)

Topics:

Review of Session 1

Problem Formulation

Hypothesis Development

Research Questions

Research Methods

Literature Review

Objectives:

1. State research problems clearly.

2. Develop research hypotheses.

3. Formulate pertinent research questions from the research problems.

4. Apply appropriate research methods in conducting research.

5. Know and understand the significance and development of the literature review in research.

Assignments:

Read Chapters assigned for Session #1 plus Chapters 2 and 4 of Leedy & Ormrod. Review pertinent research material for developing qualitative research plans. Submit on 29 August a formal report identifying the report title, research question(s) or research hypothesis(es), basic research questions, and expected sources for the literature information.

Week 3 ( 3 & 5 September 2001)

Topics:

Research Planning

Research Questions

Literature Review

Data Collection Methods

Midterm Exam (5 Sept)

Objectives:

1. Understand research planning methods.

2. Review pertinent research questions.

3. Understand and accomplish literature reviews.

4. Critically analyze literature.

5. Know various research data collection methods.

6. Develop skills in data collection.

Assignments:

Read Chapters 4, 5, and 6 of Marshall and Rossman and review the previously assigned chapters from Leedy & Ormrod. Accomplish class assignments as required.

Week 4 ( 10 & 12 Sept 2001)

Topics:

Data Collection

Sampling

Questionnaires and Surveys

Other data collection techniques

Objectives:

1. Develop understanding of data collection methods and practices.

2. Understand sampling methods.

3. Develop effective methods for developing questionnaires and surveys

4. Analyze published data collection instruments.

Assignments:

Read previously assigned chapters from the course texts and pertinent material relevant to the session topics. Accomplish class assignments.

Week 5 (17 & 19 September 2001)

Topics:

Validity and Reliability

Internal and External Threats to Validity

Role of Statistics

Rules for Qualitative Research

Open Discussion

Objectives:

1. Understand the difference between validity and reliability.

2. Know various internal and external threats to validity.

3. Understand the use of statistics in research.

4. Understand rules for research.

5. Address student issues.

Assignments:

Read Chapter 7 of Marshall and Rossman. Review pertinent research material and accomplish any class assignments.

Week 6 ( 24 & 26 September 2001)

Topics:

Topical discussions

Objectives:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the concepts and theories involved with qualitative research.

2. Discuss topical issues.

Week 7 (1 & 3 October 2001)

Topics:

Computer as Research Tool

Research Proposal Review

Writing the Research Report

APA Manual

Final exam (3 Oct)

Objectives:

1. Understand the use of computers in research.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of research proposal.

3. Know writing rules in research reporting.

4. Assess student learning

5. Understand the application of the APA Manual.

Assignments:

Read pertinent material related to the class topics. Review the APA Manual. Complete the research project and prepare for final examination.

Week 8 (8 & 10 October 2001)

Topics:

Value and Logic of Qualitative Research

Relevance of Research

Qualitative Research Reports

Student presentations

Objectives:

1. Defend the value of qualitative research.

2. Understand the relevance of effective research.

3. Critically analyze research reports.

4. Demonstrate project completion.

Assignments:

Read all chapters of Marshall and Rossman and Leedy & Ormrod. Prepare analysis of research reports and develop effective presentation of the research project.

Short Biography: Dr. Ken J. Kovach has been teaching for the University of Maryland programs since 1993 and for other universities since 1981. He has facilitated student learning in over 400 higher education courses in subjects as management, aviation, statistics, research, and others.

Ken completed 23 years service in the U.S. Air Force in duties in logistics, airborne command and staff, aerial delivery, transportation, hospital care, and others-first as an enlisted member then commissioned through the Airman's Education and Commissioning Program. During this time, he gained immeasurable experience in management and education. His research efforts in academia began with Nova University and resulted in the publishing of Corporate Aviation Management and other works. His experience has contributed to helping develop research guides for various schools.

His bachelor of science is in business from the University of Tennessee, master of arts in guidance and counseling from Wayne State University, and doctorate of higher education from Nova University (now Nova Southeastern). Ken is a member of the American Statistical Association, American Counseling Association, and Transportation Administration.

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