LSTD 5043 – Research Methods in Interdisciplinary Studies, Dr. Leslie A. Miller, Spring 2020
Course Goals:
- Understand the fundamental concepts of research
- Be an informed consumer of knowledge
Learning and Skill Objectives:
- Distinguish between qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches to research.
- Identify a researchable topic that is appropriate for a quantitative study
- Search the literature systematically to identify what is known about a study topic, and then write a brief literature review that integrates/synthesizes literature to identify a gap leading to the need for research
- Articulate a compelling research problem, with a well-aligned study purpose, research questions, hypotheses and sampling strategy for a quantitative study
- Identify appropriate instrumentation for collecting quantitative data and appropriate statistical techniques for analyzing data to answer study research questions
- Describe the major ethical issues one must consider when designing and conducting research
- Develop a well written and aligned quantitative research proposal with justified methodological decisions to address a current problem or issue
LSTD 5043 expanded my knowledge of many facets of research (Goal 4.1). It greatly enhanced my understanding of, and ability to conduct, quantitative research. I am now prepared to choose a proper research method and design when conducting research to solve a problem. The Research Method and Design Worksheet helped me to analyze the different research designs and understand which process would be the most efficient depending on the research questions that needs answered.
Quantitative and Qualitative Research Method and Design Worksheet
Furthermore, LSTD 5043 has made me more detail oriented as the Mini-Research Proposal assignment has required me to understand, and thoroughly think through, each fundamental aspect of a research proposal. These include a literature review, study purpose, study problem, research questions, hypothesis, and procedures. I am now more capable of analyzing a need (Goal 1.1, 1.2), locating and synthesizing research, identifying a research gap, and forming a study to fill the gap. Through the literature review research, I gained knowledge relating to successful school library reading promotion activities, unsuccessful activities, and how motivation is affected (Goal 1.4). I can apply the past research as a librarian and could complete the research within the proposal to implement as a librarian (Goal 1.3, 1.6, 2.1, 2.3). This would, also, allow me to provide implications to others (Goal 1.8).
(The Mini Research Proposal is in-progress, as I am currently enrolled in that course.)
Maegan Heath 