May 05, 2024  
2014-2015 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2014-2015 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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IE 312 - Research Methods

3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
Course Description
An introduction to scientific research methods for students interested in academic research, R & D, or analyzing and evaluating open-ended problems in business and industry. Topics covered will include planning a research study, gathering data, analyzing data, and presenting results, as well as development of interviews and surveys, reliability and validity, and quantitative and qualitative measurement methods. (prereq: junior standing in an engineering program)
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
• summarize the major steps involved in conducting scientific research
• give examples of different types of research
• plan a research study
• give examples of the different types of data that can be collected (quantitative and qualitative) and identify corresponding data collection techniques
• give examples of the different types of analysis that can be done
• describe critical issues related to the development of interviews and surveys
• explain reliability, validity, and research limitations
• appraise and criticize others’ research through a peer review process
• discuss substantive issues related to a research topic
• present results from a research study in a written report and an oral presentation
Prerequisites by Topic
• None required
Course Topics
• Overview of scientific research and research methods (1 week)
• Literature review (1 week)
• Experimental research (1 week)
• Interviews, surveys, and human subjects (1 week)
• Collection and analysis of data (1 week)
• Limitations of research and reporting results (1 week)
• Peer review (1 week)
• Publications and funding proposals (1 week)
• Corporate R&D (1 week)
• Presentation of student research projects (1 week)
Coordinator
Charlene Yauch



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