Syllabus

University of Maryland, College Park

Counseling and Personnel Services

 

Course Number: EDMS 645

Course Title: Quantitative Research Methods

 

Credit Hours: Three

Term: III (2001/2002) 14 Jan – 8 Mar 2002

 

Instructor: Dr. Ken J. Kovach             Availability: Before or after class or upon

                 PSC 37, Box 3414              appointment. E-mail: KJKovach@cs.com

                 APO AE 09459                  Ph/fax: 01353 860 671

UMUC web page: http://faculty.ed.umuc.edu/~kkovach

 

Text:  Gay, L.R. (2000). Educational research (6^th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc.

 

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

Others: STATPAK software, University of Maryland library.

 

Meetings: Mondays & Wednesdays (1800-2100 hrs). RAF Mildenhall, room TBA.

 

Course Description: Research design and statistical applications in educational research: data representation, descriptive statistics, estimation, and hypothesis testing. Prerequisites: Statistics recommended.

 

Objectives: This course will enable students to understand:

1.      statistical concepts essential for data analysis and evaluation,

2.      the basic problem skills and application of formulae necessary for the application of statistical concepts,

3.      the methods used to gather data and analyze reports, and

4.      the format used to write research reports.

 

Class Policies: It is very important that each student read the assigned readings, accomplish designated tasks, and prepare for class discussion for each session. Students missing any class work will be required to complete makeup assignments as determined necessary for class participation. Good communications is the key to success! If there are any questions or issues concerning the course, discuss these with your instructor at the earliest. Academic integrity and positive student attitude towards learning are required. Changes to this syllabus will be determined by the instructor when considered essential for course learning, but in all cases, students will be provided advanced information. Normal policies regarding punctuality, integrity, personal conduct, and environmental issues will be met.

 

Grading:  Participation    -  40 points                A = 90 - 100 points

                 Midterm exam -  30 ”                                  B = 80 -   89 ”

                 Final exam       -  30 ”                                  C = 70 -   79 ”

                               Total   - 100 points                        F = below 70 points

 

Participation: Student participation involves active discussion, positive attitude towards learning, completion of class taskings, and cooperative and communicative efforts. Missed class work requires approved makeup work. Various assignments and class work will be considered in assessing student participation. Assessment will be subjectively made by the instructor based on student effort and work.

 

Examinations:  A midterm and final exam will be administered. Format and content will be discussed prior to each assessment; however, each exam will only include material presented during the course prior to each exam.

 

Class Schedule:

 

Week                           Topics

1 (14 & 16 Jan)            Orientation & Introductions

                                    Research methods

                                    Problem definition & selection

                                    Research reports

                                    Research critiques

                                    APA

Objectives:

1.      Understand the scope and purpose of the course.

2.      Comprehend the scientific method of research.

3.      Understand the components of research proposals and projects.

4.      Discuss problem statements.

5.      Become familiar with the APA.

6.      Evaluate research reports.

 

Assignments: Read chapters 1, 2, 15 and 16 of the text and review the APA.

 

2 (23 & 25 Jan)            Research Plans

Wed & Fri                   Taskings

                                    Sampling

                                    APA

Objectives: 

1.      Describe ethical considerations in conducting research.

2.      Describe the components of research plans.

3.      Complete research taskings.

4.      Understand the purpose and types of samples.

5.      Understand APA requirements.

 

Assignments: Read chapters 3 and 4 of the text and the APA.

 

3 ( 28 & 30 Jan)           Sampling

                                    Measuring Instruments

                                    APA

                                    Data Collection

Objectives:

1.      Identify sampling techniques.

2.      Select random samples.

3.      Discuss scales of measurements.

4.      Discuss facts and constructs.

5.      Know useful ways to find information for research.

6.      Comprehend test selection.

7.      Understand APA requirements.

 

Assignments: Read chapters 5 & 6 of the text and the APA.

 

4 ( 4 & 6 Feb)              Types of Research

                                    Review

                                    Midterm exam

Objectives:

1.      Discuss topics and activities presented in class.

2.      Understand qualitative research.

3.      Evaluate learning.

4.      Discuss different research methods.

 

Assignments: Read chapters 6 & 7 of the text and the APA. Prepare for assessment.

 

5 (11 & 13 Feb)                       Descriptive Research

 

Objectives:

            1.  State the purpose of descriptive research.

            2.  Discuss questionnaire development.

3.  Understand interviewing data collection methods.

5.      Develop Tables and Figures for data presentation.

 

Assignments: Read chapter 12 of the text and review pertinent available material.

 

6 (20 & 22 Feb)           Inferential Testing

Wed & Fri

 

Objectives:

1.      Understand various Tests of Significance.

2.      Discuss one-tail and two-tail tests.

3.      Explain degrees of freedom.

4.      Conduct t-tests, chi-square, and ANOVA tests.

5.      Determine test outcomes.

 

Assignment: Read chapter 13 and 14 of the text.

 

7 (25 & 27 Feb)           Inferential Testing

Objectives & Assignments: Same as above. Review available material to facilitate learning of significance testing.

 

8 (4 & 6 Mar)              Review of Course

                                    Open Discussion

                                    Final Exam

Objectives:

1.      Determine if course goals and objectives have been met.     

2.      Provide open discussion opportunity.

3.      Assess student learning.

Assignment: Review course material.

 

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 430 higher education courses in subjects as management, aviation, statistics, research and others.

            Ken completed 23 years of 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 academic efforts 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 was 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 Counseling Association, American Statistical Association, and Transportation Administration.