Gay, LR & P. Airasian (2000) Educational Research: Competencies for Analysis and Application (6^th Edition) New Jersey: Merrill

A basic calculator.

American Psychological Association (1994) Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 4th edition. Washington, DC

• basic research design
• communicating research results - proposal and report writing
• descriptive statistics
• sampling and inferential statistics
• hypothesis testing
• T-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi-square
• correlational methods, linear and multiple regression

• identify and discuss the major steps in conducting a research study
• understand statistical concepts essential for data analysis and evaluation
• prepare and interpret descriptive statistics
• understand methods used to collect and analyze data
• understand the use inferential statistics for research in applied settings
• analyze and interpret published research use statistical techniques
• apply basic skills and the appropriate formulae necessary for the application of statistical concepts
• complete a research proposal using APA format

• A course in high school algebra is the only background, although a background in statistics is beneficial.
• It will expected that students have read the material assigned for each class prior to the class meeting. Required readings for each class are listed below. Given the often complicated and sometimes confusing nature of statistics and statistical jargon, you may need to read the materials more than once.
• Class lectures will highlight key points and provide an opportunity for you to ask specific questions, and for the entire group to work through particularly challenging problems and examples.

1. Midterm - 20%
2. Final - 20%
   Each exam will be made up of short answer questions and problems, covering material from the text and from class lecture. Very little emphasis will be placed on calculations, but students will need to understand the basics of descriptive statistical methods and manipulation of small data sets.
3. Critique of Research Articles (2 @ 10% each)
   Students will read and critique 2 research articles in terms of research design, methodology and appropriate use of statistics. A 3-5 page analysis should address questions about the rationale (reason for conducting the study, contribution to the field, etc), sampling (who were selected for the study and how were they selected?, how generalizable are results?), hypothesis testing (what question is the research trying to answer?), variables (identify and address measures used), methodology (were the appropriate research design and statistics used?) and overall evaluation ot the study. Articles for review can be selected from a list provided by the instructor, or, if you find a study particularly relevant to your interests, please submit it to the instructor for approval.
4. Research Proposal 30%
   Design a research study on a problem of your choice. The proposal should clearly identify variables, research design, sampling of research participants, and methods of statistical analysis. A brief literature is required. The emphasis should be on the development of a realistic design, the appropriate measurement of variables of interest, and the use of sound methodology. A brief presentation to the class will be required.

5. Class attendance and participation 10%

Grade will be based on:

Week 1

Read Chs 1,2, 15 & 16

Complete Task 1 (p 27), Task 2 (p 82)

Introduction, The Research Problem, Literature review, Hypothesis,

Week 2

Read Chs 3 & 4

Complete Tasks 3 (p 115) &4 (p 142)

The Research Plan

Sampling Techniques

Week 3

Chs 5 & 8 & 9

Complete Task 5 (p 194)

Review the key concepts

Measurement, Validity and Reliability

Week 4

Review Chs 1 - 5, 8 & 9, 15, 16

Week 5

Chs 10, 11

Complete Task 6 (p 425)

Causal Comparative Research

Week 6

Chs 12 & 13

Complete practice exercises

Review the key concepts

Descriptive Statistics

Week 7

Chs 13 & 14

Complete practice exercises

Review the key concepts

Inferential Statistics

Post-analysis considerations

Week 8

Exam OCTOBER 10