This course emphasizes qualitative and conceptual aspects of research methods. It focuses on building and applying a few fundamental research and conceptual skills students often lack when they begin their Applied Research Project. For example, students are introduced to useful electronic databases. Finally, students use the skills developed in class to develop their Applied Research Project Proposal. SWT is dedicated to providing these students with necessary academic adjustments and auxiliary services to facilitate their participation and performance in the classroom.
Students can miss one class with no penalty.
At the end of the semester, the student will demonstrate significant conceptual and methodological skills by completing a structural analysis of three scholarly journal articles. At the end of the semester, the student will demonstrate significant conceptual and analytic research skills through the successful completion of a review of the literature. At the end of the semester, the student will understand the nature of qualitative research methods as applied to public administration. At the end of the semester, the student will understand how conceptual foundations form the basis for all sound social science research. At the end of the semester, the student will demonstrate an understanding of the connection between the research question, a theoretical framework and the research methodology through the oral presentation of a research prospectus.