HRD 311: Research for Practitioners
Fall 2007
Professor: Bettina J. Casad, Ph.D.
Phone: (909) 869-3470
Professor’s Website: www.csupomona.edu/~bjcasad
Course Website: https://bbpilot.csupomona.edu
Burkle 16, Wednesdays 7-9:50 PM
E-mail: bjcasad@csupomona.edu
Course Description
This course is the first course of a two-module methodology sequence that exposes students to
the analytical methods for evaluating information. The course has been re-designed to take an
applied approach in training students to become informed consumers of research. The course
provides both a theoretical understanding of the philosophy and design of quantitative and
qualitative research, and the critical skills necessary for evaluating published research. The
course will prepare students for employment in which their responsibilities include locating,
reading, summarizing, and critically evaluating research to improve HR programs and practices.
Student Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you will have developed several skills by being able to do the
following:
1. Identify and define methodological and statistical terms, concepts, and procedures
2. Describe qualitative and mixed-methods research designs
3. Describe experimental and non-experimental research designs
4. Describe techniques for quality and data verification in qualitative, mixed method, and
quantitative research
5. Interpret descriptive and inferential statistics in published research reports
6. Critically evaluate research claims by examining research methodology and statistical
analyses
7. Communicate your analysis of a body of research in both oral and written form
Required Texts
Mertens, D. M. (2005). Research and evaluation in education and psychology: Integrating
diversity with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.
Locke, L. F., Silverman, S. J., & Spirduso, W. (2004). Reading and understanding
research (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.
Additional readings will be posted on the course webpage.
Course Requirements
Research Summary and Critique (100 points): In the final course paper, you will have the
opportunity to apply your newly acquired inquiry skills. You will select a set of research articles
on a topic relevant to your career interests. Select 5 published research articles or reports that
summarize data from experimental, non-experimental, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies.
Your job is to summarize the information provided in the articles and reports and to judge the
quality of the information. Finally, you will describe how the research applies in your work
setting. That is, what did you learn from this research that can be used in an HR career or your
current employment setting? Additional information will be provided in a separate handout.
HRD 311 Syllabus, Fall 2007
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Data Analysis Report (100 points): You will be provided with a report presenting descriptive
and inferential statistics in several forms including charts, graphs, tables, and APA style text.
Your job will be to interpret the data and translate the findings into a summary for a nontechnical audience. You will be asked to make recommendations for action based on the data
provided in the report. Additional information will be provided in a separate handout.
Research Critique Presentation (50 points): Working in groups of four, you will have the
opportunity to demonstrate your ability to identify high and low quality research. You will
identify two published research articles on a topic relevant to your team’s career interests. One
article should reflect high quality research and the other low quality research. You will
thoroughly read and critique the articles, and present your findings to the class in a 20-30 minute
presentation. Class members will read the articles and provide discussion and feedback on the
topics addressed in your presentation. Additional information will be provided in a separate
handout.
Class Participation (50 points): Students in this course will be active learners who play an
important role in their academic growth and development. You should read all the assigned
readings before each class, thoughtfully process the information, and be ready to contribute to
class discussion and activities. There will be several graded activities and discussions in which
all students are expected to participate. Class participation also involves careful attention to other
students' presentations and offering of constructive comments and feedback. Additionally, class
participation includes regular and punctual class attendance. Please note the new MSHRD
program policy regarding attendance for the standard semester course states: No more than TWO
classes should be missed to receive credit for a course.
Course Evaluation
Assessment of your mastery of the course learning objectives will be based on discussions,
written assignments, and a presentation according to the following grading system:
Assignment
Point Value (%)
Letter Grade Equivalents
Research Summary & Critique…................................100 (33%) A = 93-100%
Data Analysis Report…..…………..............….….….100 (33%) A- = 90-92%
Research Critique Presentation……...........................50 (17.5%) B+ = 86-89%
Class Participation…………………………………...50 (17.5%) B = 80-85%
B- = 76-79%
Total points: 300 (100%)
C+ = 73-75%
Course Policies
Late Assignments: Late assignments are strongly discouraged and will only be accepted in
extenuating circumstances. There are no make-up in-class assignments as they are based on the
day’s lecture, discussion, and activities. Excessive absences will be reflected in your class
participation grade.
Academic Honesty and Professionalism: It is expected that written assignments will reflect
your own work, and the best of your abilities. Any form of cheating will not be tolerated.
Plagiarism is a form of cheating where you present someone else’s work as your own including
using someone else’s paper, or parts of it, and not referencing someone else’s idea. To avoid
plagiarism, always paraphrase and reference the original source from which the idea was
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developed. If you are not sure what plagiarism consists of, see me or consult the APA Publication
Manual (pg. 349-350).
Classroom Environment: Students learn best in an environment that is free from distractions. I
expect that students will behave professionally and respect other students’ right to learn. In
addition, students are expected to respect diversity and alternative points of view. To limit
distractions, please avoid coming late to class and turn off cellular phones, PDAs, and pagers
before class begins.
Additional Accommodations: By the second week, let me know if you require additional
accommodations to attend class or participate in activities. If you need further assistance with
your studies, please talk with me or visit the Writing Center (http://www.cgu.edu/pages/726.asp).
The Reference Librarians also offer assistance with your research. Contact Meg Garrett for
Psychology meg.garrett@libraries.claremont.edu and Mary Martin for Business
mary.martin@libraries.claremont.edu.
Course Schedule (9/5/07-12/5/07)
Date
Sept. 5
Sept. 12
Sept. 19
Sept. 26
Oct. 3
Oct. 10
Oct. 17
Topic
Introduction to the Course;
Introduction to Research
Mertens/Locke Texts
Assignments
Readings Due
Due
Mertens Ch. 1
Locke Ch. 1, 6
Overview of Qualitative
Research
Mertens Ch. 8
(p. 229-252)
Overview of Mixed Methods;
Critically Assessing Qualitative
& Mixed Methods Research
Mertens Chs. 8 (p.
253-259) & 10
Overview of Quantitative
Research: Experimental &
Quasi-Methods
Mertens Ch. 4 (p. 115140)
Overview of Quantitative
Research: Correlational &
Survey Research
Mertens Ch. 5 (p. 145- Qualitative Research
161) & 6 (p. 167-206) Article Presentation
Locke Ch. 3 & 8
Finish Overview of Quantitative Mertens Ch. 4, 5, & 6
Research
Critically Assessing
Quantitative Methods
Blackboard
Registration
Mixed-Methods
Research Article
Presentation
Mertens Ch. 4 (p. 140141), Ch. 5 (p. 162163), Ch. 6 (p. 207)
Locke Ch. 3 & 7
HRD 311 Syllabus, Fall 2007
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Date
Topic
Mertens/Locke Texts
Assignments
Readings Due
Due
Oct. 24
Sampling
Mertens Ch. 11
Oct. 31
Reliability and Validity
Mertens Ch. 12 (p.
343-365)
Psychological Measurement
Mertens Ch. 12 (p.
367-380)
Data Analysis, Interpretation,
and Reporting
Mertens Ch. 13
Nov. 7
Nov. 14
Nov. 21
Nov. 28
Data Analysis, Interpretation,
and Reporting
Literature Reviews
Quantitative Research
Article Presentation
Locke Appendix C
Mertens Ch. 13
Locke Appendix C
Mertens Ch. 13
Data Analysis Report
Locke Ch. 2
Dec. 5
Dec. 12
Literature Reviews; Writing
Research Summary Reports
Mertens Ch. 13
Locke 4 & 5
Research Summary & Critique Due in SBOS Mailbox by 7 PM
Notes: The course schedule is subject to change. Syllabus items may be modified at the instructor’s discretion
depending on class needs. All changes will be announced in class and posted on the course web site.
This course syllabus is intended to provide you with the information you need for the course and its requirements.
Please read it carefully, and if you have any questions, please ask.
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