EDEF 820
Applied Research Methods
1. Catalog Entry
EDEF 820
Applied Research Methods
Credit hours (3)
Prerequisite: This class is offered for students accepted into the Doctoral Program
in Education.
The primary goal of this course is to develop skills and understanding of qualitative and quantitative research design and methodology for the practitioner-researcher.
2. Detailed Description of Course
This course involves the study of the philosophical and methodological foundations of applied research in education and its integral role in school and school district improvement. This course introduces the holistic role of applied methods in the identification of educational issues and various stakeholders through to the evaluation/impact of interventions, policy formation or advocacy efforts. This introduction of applied research includes an overview to the general methods of inquiry, research designs, and research models commonly used in education, i.e., statistical, nonstatistical, naturalistic, mixed-method, action research, community based participatory research, project-based research, design-based research, and assessment of school and community issues.
The following is an outline of the topics to be covered in this course:
• Introduction to research,
• Philosophy and epistemological frameworks,
• Assessing organizational issues and needs,
• Identifying and collaborating with appropriate stakeholders within the school, district,
and community,
• Research design and models,
• Issues and examples in qualitative and quantitative applied research methods,
• Conducting a literature review, and
• Research ethics and Institutional Review Board procedures.
3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course will include professional reading, reflective writing, case analysis, discussion, and lecture. Students will apply course content to the development of a research project.
4. Goals and Objectives of the Course
Upon successful completion of course requirements, students will:
• Analyze various approaches and models for assessing and diagnosing community problems,
issues and needs, planning research and justifying the techniques and procedures used
in applied research methodologies.
• Critically analyze and interpret published research as they develop topics of interest.
• Explain the role of the researcher, research activities, participation, and community
in the context of school and community change and place-based education.
• Develop a preliminary prospectus which may include a research question/problem,
initial review of literature, and ideas for research design and will be grounded in
a real-world/community context.
5. Assessment Measures
Students will be assessed in multiple ways that may include, but are not limited to, weekly reading reflections, cohort in-class presentations on content, and an individual research proposal.
6. Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
May 2017