Mar 29, 2024  
2015-2016 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2015-2016 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 

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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