Problems in Research
Methodology
Political Science 5335
Patricia M. Shields
Course Description
This course is designed to
prepare students to successfully complete their Applied Research Project.
This course emphasizes qualitative and conceptual aspects of research
methods. It focuses on building and applying a few fundamental research
and conceptual skills students often lack when they begin their Applied
Research Project. For example, students are introduced to useful electronic
databases. Students also learn how to organize their time materials and ideas
(build a conceptual framework). Finally, students use the skills learned in
class to develop their Applied Research Project prospectus.
Office Hours: Tuesday, 8:00-11:00 and
1:00-6:30
Tuesday, after class 9:15-10:15
Office:
262 Liberal Arts
Telephone:
Office 245-2143
Home
280-3548 (Austin)
e-mail:
Office ps07@txstate.edu
Students with special needs (as documented by the Office of
Disability Services) should identify themselves at the beginning of the term.
Attendance policy: Student attendance is assessed through
the class participation section of the course (see criteria below). Students
can miss one class with no penalty. Students can make up missed classes by
handing in written responses to study questions that appear below. Otherwise,
students will receive an "F" for class participation for each day
they miss.
Course
Objectives:
1. At the end of the semester, the student will
demonstrate significant conceptual and methodological skills by completing a
structural analysis of three scholarly journal articles.
2. At the end of the
semester, the student will demonstrate significant conceptual and analytic
research skills through the successful completion of a review of the
literature.
3. At the end of the semester,
the student will understand the nature of qualitative research methods as
applied to public administration.
4. At the end of the semester,
the student will understand how conceptual foundations form the basis for all
sound social science research.
5. At the end of the semester,
the student will demonstrate an understanding of the connection between the
research question, a theoretical framework and the research methodology through
the oral presentation of a research prospectus.
6. At the end of the semester,
the student will be better prepared to complete their Applied Research Project.
7. At the end of the semester, the student
will demonstrate knowledge of the Author-Date referencing system found in
Chicago Manual of Style 15th edition. See [http://www.williams.edu/library/citing/styles/chicago2.php]. The prospectus and literature review
use this system of referencing.
MPA Student Learning
Outcomes and Assessment Mechanisms
Outcome 1: Students will
demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing.
Assessment Method: Structural Analysis and
Literature Review.
Outcome 2: Students will
demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the eleven curriculum components
standards of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and
Administration’s accrediting body. These curriculum standards represent
the body of knowledge an MPA graduate is expected to master. The curriculum
standards incorporated into POSI 5335 are: 4) Policy and Program Formation; 50
Program Implementation/Evaluation; 6) Decision-Making; 7) Problem-Solving; 8)
Political/Legal Institutions and Processes; 9) Economic/Social Institutions and
Processes; 10) Organization/Management Concepts.
Assessment Method: Literature Review,
Prospectus and class participation.
Outcome 3: Students will
demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively orally.
Assessment Method: Class discussion and
presentation of the prospectus.
Outcome 4: Students will
demonstrate the ability to see patterns and classify information, concepts, and
theories in public policy and administration.
Assessment Method: Prospectus and
Literature Review.
Outcome 5: Students will
demonstrate the ability to use reasoned arguments to judge evidence in public
policy and public management.
Assessment Method: Prospectus and
Literature Review..
Evaluation
Criteria:
1. Paper (Literature Review)
30%
2. Background documentation (end of semester)
10%
3. Background documentation (mid semester
check) 5%
3. Presentation (ARP Prospectus)
10%
4. Structural analysis of an article (3) (8
points each) 24%
5. Class participation 21%
Note: The paper, background documentation for
the paper, and the presentation are all over the same topic. Thus, the paper
topic constitutes 55% of your grade and, ideally, the paper will be a first
draft of the literature review chapter of your Applied Research Project.
The presentation is an oral
presentation of the research prospectus. Ideally, it represents an oral
outline (with feedback) of the prospectus you must hand in prior to registering
for the Applied Research Project.
Required Texts:
Babbie, Earl. The Practice of Social Research.
Morgan, David L. Focus
Groups as Qualitative Research. (2nd edition)
Shields, Patricia M. Step-by-Step:
Building a Research Paper,
Stillwater OK: New Forums Press, 2006.
Strunk, Jr., William and
White, E.B. The Elements of Style.
Yin, Robert. Case Study
Research: Design and Methods. 3rd edition. Newbury
Park CA: Sage Publications, 2002.
Additional Useful References
|
Date/Week |
Topic |
Readings
& Assignments |
|
Sept.
2 |
Introduction Check out web sites with
Texas State Applied Research Projects . Getting Organized:
Introduction to Step-by-Step Use the library |
Check out web sites with
Texas State Applied Research Projects.
|
|
Sept.
9 Week 2 |
Thinking
about Research and Science The Cycle of
Research: From Topic to finished product Purpose of
Research Linking
concepts/theory and purpose |
Readings:
1. Shields,
Patricia. " Pragmatism
as a Philosophy of Science.” 2. Shields,
Patricia. "A
Pragmatic Teaching Philosophy." 3. Skim Babbie Chs. 2,
3, 4 & 5 4. Shields Step by Step – read all 5. Shields “Missing Link” Study Questions "Pragmatism” WORK ON
NOTEBOOK Terms Download and bring to class |
|
Sept.16 |
What is an
Applied Research Project? Panel Discussion : Connecting
5335 and 5397 |
Review three
Applied Research Projects (ARP) Work on Notebook |
|
Sept.
23 Week
4 |
Finding
Conceptual Frameworks: Linking theory and methods |
Readings:
1. Mendoza,
Richard. 2007. “Explaining the Affects of Public Participation and the
State of the Local Economy on Municipal Bond Elections.” Texas State
Applied Research Project (http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/256/)
3. Study Questions-Conceptual Framework (html version) Work on Notebook |
|
Sept.
30 |
Identifying
the Research Question |
Assignments Come to class
with two alternative research questions written up. Be prepared to present
your questions to the class. (The questions will NOT be graded. The
quality and thoughtfulness of your discussion will be.) If class is
missed - submit two research questions to Dr. Shields. Schedule an
appointment to discuss possible ARP research questions. WORK ON
NOTEBOOK |
|
Oct.
7 |
Moving from
Theory to Measurement 1) Operationalization 2) Unit of analysis/Levels of Measurement 3) Sampling 4) Operationalizing Conceptual
Frameworks 5)
Experimental design
Dealing with Bias and 6) Error:
Validity and Reliability
|
Find
definitions for the terms
found in the course
packet. Be prepared to discuss. Babbie Chs 6, 8, &
9 Course packet materials WORK ON NOTEBOOK Read Shields: "Theory: The Missing Link in Successful Student
Scholarship" Note:
Make appointment with Dr. Shields for next weeks
notebook check. Appointments can be any time Oct.6. Notebook
checks take about 10 minutes. 5% of your grade. |
|
Oct. 14 Week 7 |
Introduction
to Case Study Research Notebook check Before and after class. Schedule
meetings in my office. |
***NOTEBOOK
CHECK****BRING YOUR NOTEBOOK TO CLASS. IT WILL BE EXAMINED AND REVIEWED BY
THE INSTRUCTOR DURING THE BREAK, BEFORE AND AFTER CLASS. THERE MUST BE
EXTENSIVE NOTES ON 10 ARTICLES OR BOOK CHAPTERS. THIS IS WORTH 5% OF YOUR
GRADE Work on Notebook |
|
Oct.
21 |
Using Data
Bases |
Work on
Notebook |
|
Oct.
28 |
Library and
Reference Tools |
Work on
Notebook |
|
Nov.
4 Week
10 |
Focus Groups |
Readings:
Morgan Second Structural Analysis Due Work on
Notebook |
|
Nov.
11 Week
11 |
Putting it
all together Conceptual Framework and Purpose Statement Classes meet
Separately |
ARP research
purpose Statement and Conceptual Framework Table complete. Bring a handout
for every member of class. In the handout, include a formal statement of the
research purpose at the top of the page. Build the conceptual framework table
and link the categories or hypotheses (working on formal) to the literature.
Be prepared to explain conceptual framework to the class. Explain why it
connects to the research purpose. |
|
Nov. 18 |
What is a
Prospectus/Proposal? Outlining IRB Training |
Readings:
Outlining tab in Step-by-Step
Reread
Shields: "Theory: The Missing Link in Successful Student
Scholarship"
Review Shields POSI 5397 web page WORK ON NOTEBOOK OR RESEARCH
PAPER |
|
Nov.
25 Week
13 |
Prospectus |
Presentations
Download evaluation form
|
|
Dec.
2 Week
14 |
Prospectus |
Presentations
Literature
review assessment criteria Literature Review and notebook due |
|
Dec.
9 Week
15 |
Prospectus |
Presentations
Bring form to
class |
|
Dec.
16
FINAL PERIOD |
Prospectus |
Presentations Bring form to
class |
http://uweb.txstate.edu/~ps07/sy35fa99.htm
Supervised by Dr. Patricia M. Shields
9/2/2008
Texas State University-San Marcos is a member of the Texas State
University System.
