DBA 7240

Description

Examines the basic principles and techniques of doctoral scholarship, and offers an overview of the development of theory and research logic, explores the relationship between theoretical and empirical constructs, and provides a wide variety of specific research methodologies, including the scholarly publication process. Learners study the principles of the scientific method and research design techniques common to both qualitative and quantitative research, including sampling methods and data collection techniques. Material includes examination of various research methods including electronic searches and retrieval methods. Students learn to critically read research papers and articles, and are introduced to the writing techniques necessary to produce expository and analytical papers to the standards of publishable work.

Objectives

1. Explain why basic research methodology presented in the textbook is applicable to any discipline.
2. Generalize the significance of planning and design as a precursor to research.
3. Summarize the eight distinguishing characteristics of research.
4. Explain the importance of browsing significant journals in your discipline prior to initiating research.
5. Explain the significance of Internet access as a tool of research.
6. Discriminate the difference between measurement and evaluation.
7. Compare the four scales of measurement and discuss under what conditions they apply.
8. Explain the difference between validity and reliability.
9. Assess the premises of deductive logic and inductive reasoning.
10. Summarize the significance of dividing research problems into sub-problems.
11. Compare the differences between research planning and research methodology.
12. Compare qualitative and quantitative approaches to research.
13. Explain the significance of ethical issues in research.
14. Summarize the difference between a concept paper and a proposal in research methodology.
15. Compare the applicability of the case study, an ethnography study, a phenomenological study, grounded theory study, and content analysis in qualitative research design.
16. Judge the significance of time and space in historical research.
17. Discuss and explain why correlation does not, in and of itself, indicate causation.
18. Explain precautions to take in maximizing the return rate on mailed questionnaires.
19. Summarize the application of the following sampling techniques: simple random, stratified random, proportional stratified, cluster, systematic, convenience, quota, and purpose sampling.
20. Explain when pre-experimental, true experimental, quasi-experimental, ex post facto, factorial and meta analysis research designs are applicable.
21. Explain the characteristics of and applications for descriptive and inferential statistics.
22. Generalize the significance of hypotheses testing and the relationship to Type I and Type II errors.
23. Assess the significance of adhering to a prescribed style, format and organization of a research report.

PreRequisites

None

Textbook(s)

* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the CSU Bookstore at bookstore@columbiasouthern.edu