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, research and development (R & D), or analyzing and evaluating open-ended problems in business and industry. Topics covered 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
Literature review
Experimental research
Interviews, surveys, and human subjects
Collection and analysis of data
Limitations of research and reporting results
Peer review
Publications and funding proposals
Corporate R&D
Presentation of student research projects

Coordinator
Dr. Leah Newman

Announcement

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Milwaukee School of Engineering

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IE 312 - Research Methods