Research Methods I

Course Details

Course Number: RADS 5003  Section Number: 192

Fall 2012

Location: Bridwell Hall

Classroom Number: 204

Days & Times:

TBA

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Jeffrey Killion   
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Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

  • Evaluate selected research reports on the basis of criteria established by the scientific method.
  • Examine radiological research studies for application of research purposes, designs, and methodologies.
  • Evaluate the relationship between research questions, research designs, level of measurement and data analysis techniques.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the legal and ethical issues surrounding research.
  • Interpret findings in Radiological Science research studies in relation to clinical applications and the need for further research.
  • Critique selected research studies in the Radiological Sciences pertaining to completeness, clarity, and appropriateness of the components of research.
  • Write a review of literature.

Course Expectations

Outline – 10%

After extensive review of the resources, students will create a topic outline and submit it to their section instructors by the due date on chart at the end of the syllabus.  The outline should include in-text style citations of the sources of information as part of the outline.  While the final paper may deviate from the outline somewhat, the final paper should reflect the organization of this outline so students must be very familiar with their resources to create an accurate and realistic outline.

Literature Review - 50%

This literature review is to be a substantial manuscript that reflects graduate level effort. The body of the paper (excludes components such as the cover page, abstract, reference list, appendices, etc.) should be  10 - 12 pages – NO MORE THAN 12 PAGES.  Only PEER-REVIEWED resources published within the past five (5) years can be cited.  It should demonstrate the student's ability to gather and discriminate pertinent resources, the ability to SYNTHESIZE information from a variety ofsources, the ability to apply new information to a topic, and the ability to correctly use the APA Reference Style. 

Journal Article Critiques - 30%

Students will critique two (2) research-based articles from scholarly journals using the "Checklist for Evaluating Research." The articles MUST be quantitative (survey research or experimental research).  The articles can NOT be literature review type articles. This form is on the BlackBoard course page under "Course Content and Related Materials."   Answers must be typed (not handwritten).  Students can select ANY research-related radiologic sciences articles of interest, including articles that contribute to their literature review topic.

Students should submit the completed critique forms as Word document email attachments to the section  instructors by the date on the chart at the end of the syllabus.  Faculty will ONLY accept scanned articles or articles submitted electronically.  Students may electronically mark the required information on the articles and then scan them to submit or describe the location of the required information in sufficient detail to demonstrate they know what is being asked.  Students should keep originals or copies for their own records in case the submissions are lost in the mail.

Class Participation     10%

Timeliness of attending class and submitting assignments that are required in this course affects the class participation grade.  Check the chart at the end of the syllabus for due dates.  Preparation for the First Seminar Weekend - Read and be ready to discuss the following:

All of the Galvan textbook

Bordens & Abbott

            Chapter 2          Developing & Evaluating Theories of Behavior

            Chapter 3          Getting & Developing Research Ideas

            Chapter 4          Choosing a Research Design

            Chapter 5          Making Systematic Observations

            Chapter 6          Choosing and Using Research Subjects

            Chapter 9          Using Survey Research

            Chapter 10        Using Between-Subjects and Within-Subjects Experimental Design

            Chapter 11        Using Specialized Research Designs

            Chapter 13        Describing Data

            Chapter 14        Using Inferential Statistics

            Chapter 16        Reporting Your Research Results

Preparation for the Second Seminar Weekend

Bordens & Abbott

            Chapter 7          Understanding Ethical Issues in the Research Process

            Chapter 8          Using Nonexperimental Research

            Chapter 10        Using Between-Subjects and Within-Subjects Experimental Design

            Chapter 12        Using Single-Subject Designs

            Chapter 15        Using Multivariate Design & Analysis
 

Each student should be prepared to participate fully in class discussions and activities on each topic. This means that reading assignments and preparations have to be completed before seminar weekends.  The faculty will evaluate the quality, relevancy, and consistency of each student’s class participation based on the following criteria:

  • Evidence of having read assignments and having made other preparations by familiarity with the issues and topics scheduled for discussion.
  • Evidence of critical thinking beyond the textbook assignments by contributions of relevant observations and applications from personal or professional experiences.
  • Overall quality and quantity of verbal and nonverbal participation in discussions and activities.
  • Evidence of leadership skills and awareness of group dynamics through supportive behavior towards others such as encouraging discussion, healthy professional debate, and clarification of issues.

Grading Standards

 

Evaluation:

  • Outline                                         10%
  • Literature Review                       50%
  • Journal Article Critiques           30%
  • Class Participation                    10%

  

Grade Scale:

                                                  A =  100 - 90

                                                  B =   89 - 80

                                                  C =  79 - 70

                                                  D  = 69 - 60

                                                  F  = 69 and below


Submission Format Policy
  • IBM compatible format (not MAC)
  • Word 97 or newer version
  • Times New Roman or other typical legible font (not Courier) (10 or 12 point for bulk of text)
  • 1” margins on all sides
  • Double-spaced
  • Standard Cover Page


Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Deadlines for submission of assignments are provided in this syllabus. Failure to comply with established deadlines may result in a grade reduction.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Without exception, students MUST attend and participate in both graduate seminar weekends to receive credit for this course.


Other Policies

Refer to the Graduate Bulletin for details about receiving a grade of “Incomplete” in a course.  In an emergency or extenuating circumstance, a student may request a grade of “Incomplete” in a course before grades are submitted.  If the instructor grants the “Incomplete,” the student has until ninety (90) days after the beginning of the next long semester to complete the course requirements.  If the student does not complete the course requirements within the deadline, the grade of “Incomplete” will automatically convert into a grade of “F.”

Administrative Process:

Unresolved issues related to this course should be first addressed between the student and the section instructor.  If there is no resolution, students must follow this sequence: 

Graduate Coordinator – Dr. Jeff Killion (940-397-4659)

Department Chair – Dr. Donna Wright (940-397-4615)

College Dean – Dr. James Johnston (940-397-4594)

Dean of Students – Dail Neely (940-397-6273)

Honor System:

RADS 5003 adheres to the MSU Code of Conduct.  In particular, academic dishonesty, however small, creates a breach in academic integrity.  A student's participation in this course comes with the expectation that his or her work will be completed in full observance of the MSU Code of Student Conduct.  A student should consult the 2000-2001 Student Handbook for answers to any questions about the code.

 

Many components of RADS 5003 are designed to be highly interactive with students helping each other learn.  Students are encouraged to take full advantage of many resources available including Internet sites, handouts and module notebooks, other textbooks and journals, faculty, and peers. This interactive collegial learning environment is conducive for life-long learning.

 

Specific components of RADS 5003 are designed to represent the efforts of each student individually and are NOT to be shared.  These components include the literature review, journal article critiques, and course content assessments. Students SHOULD NOT share their efforts in ANY WAY (including but not limited to discussion, electronic files, print copies, notes, etc.).  The only exception to this rule, is during the final class presentations.

 

When students submit their efforts (literature review, journal article critiques, and course content assessments) for grading, they are attesting that they have abided by this rule.
 
By enrolling in this course, the student expressly grants MSU a “limited right” in all intellectual property created by the student for the purpose of this course.  The “limited right” shall include but shall not be limited to the right to reproduce the student’s work product in order to verify originality and authenticity, and for educational purposes. Specifically, faculty may submit student papers and assignments to an external agency to detect plagiarism.

Academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.) will not be tolerated in this class. If a student is found to have committed academic dishonesty, a grade of zero (0) may be given for the paper, quiz, assignment, etc.  Cases may also be referred to the Dean of Students for possible dismissal from the university.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.