Western Washington University
Woodring College of Education
Human Services Program
HSP-385 Applied Research Methods
4 Credits
Winter 2011
Instructor:
Anne Blanchard, PhD
Email:
Anne.Blanchard@wwu.edu
Telephone:
(425) 742-6722 or (425) 259-8912
Tradition class time:
January 10 – March 14
Monday 6:00 to 9:00pm
Traditional class place:
GWH 282
Blackboard class time:
Weekly
Blackboard student portal:
http://mywestern.wwu.edu
Required Texts
American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the
American Psychological Association (6th edition). Washington, D.C.
American Psychological Association ISBN-10: 1-4338-0561-8
Best, J. (2008). Stat-spotting: A field guide to identifying dubious data.
Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. ISBN: 0520257464
Marlow, C. (2011). Research methods for generalist social work. Brooks/Cole.
ISBN: 978-0-8400-3327-7
Course/Catalog Description
An introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods relevant to the
human services profession. Includes an overview of research designs, analysis
techniques, and methods of interpretation, dissemination, and application.
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NATIONAL STANDARDS IN RELATION TO COURSE OBJECTIVES/ASSIGNMENTS
Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE)
CSHSE Standard & Indicators
#15: The




Outcomes
Learning Activities
Assessment
curriculum shall provide knowledge and skills in information management.
Develop knowledge and skills in
relation to obtaining information.
Demonstrate knowledge of how to
observe systems.
Assess and critically review HS
relevant scholarly and professional
literature.
Describe and demonstrate
understanding of various
methodological approaches to
research.
Students will:
Demonstrate skills for
accessing and utilizing
information for the
purpose of research.
Demonstrate
understanding of
systems theory as it
relates to research.
Demonstrate
knowledge of
integrating scholarly
and professional
materials in a HS
research proposal.
Web readings
Assessment of Blackboard assignments
and homework
Read: Marlow chapters
3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12
Library Systems Evaluation
Library systems
Annotated Bibliography
Read: Best text
Weekly quiz
Blackboard/homework
exercises (e.g., journal
article critique,
development and
analysis of appropriate
methods for particular
research questions, etc.)
Research Proposal
Use of APA manual
Demonstrate
knowledge and
Use of library resources
understanding of
various methodological In class activities
approaches to research.
#19: The program shall transmit the major human service education values and attitudes to students in order to promote
understanding of human service ethics and their application in practice.
Students will:
Web readings
Assessment of Blackboard/homework
 Confidentiality of information.
Demonstrate
 Personal commitment to
knowledge of client
Read: Marlow chapters
Participation in classroom and
professional boundaries
confidentiality and
1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 13
Blackboard exercises
 Integration of ethical standards as
professional
ethics.
outlined by NOHS and CSHSE
Read: Best text
Weekly quiz
Demonstrate
understanding of
Construct appropriate
Research proposal
professional boundaries informed consent form
as they relate to both
their endeavors as
Resolution of ethical
researchers and human
dilemmas
services practitioners.
Critical thinking
Demonstrate
exercises
knowledge of ethical
standards in their
In class and Blackboard
research proposal by
Exercises and activities
detailing ethical
practices in data
collection in their
proposed methods
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Course Objectives
By the end of the quarter students will be able to:
 Access, understand, and critically review scholarly research.
 Understand how to critically analyze and evaluate the assumptions,
structures, and methodologies of applied research.
 Identify the practical, political, and ethical considerations of conducting
research in the field of human services.
 Develop, write, and present a research proposal on a topic of interest in the
field of human services.
 Demonstrate ability to write professional papers utilizing APA formatting style.
HSP-385 Applied Research Methods is a Writing Proficiency (WP) course.
Upper-division WP courses emphasize research and writing above all other
aspects of the course. In WP courses, students learn the writing style and
conventions of their disciplines, as well as techniques for integrating evidence
into scholarly papers. For information on WWU’s WP requirement please visit:
http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~stoutk/writingproficiency.htm
WWU Writing Center: http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~writepro/
Methodology and Philosophy of Instructor
 Learning is most likely to occur in a compassionate, confidential, and safe
environment. Every effort will be made to promote such an atmosphere.
Clear, honest, and open communication is essential to building a productive
and pleasant learning community. The sharing of ideas, questions, issues,
information, and resources is welcomed and encouraged.
 I am available to you. Please feel free to contact me with questions,
concerns, ideas, and insights.
 Each student is an adult learner and is viewed as capable, resourceful, and
responsible for being in charge of his or her learning.
 This instructor’s personal and professional philosophy is to encourage
participation, critical thinking, empowerment, and reflection.
 Blackboard (Bb) is used in HSP-385 as a means of providing support,
facilitating homework, and reinforcing learning.
HSP-385 students will utilize WWU Library Services for Extended Education to access
literature for their research proposals. Gabe Gossett is our Extended Education
Librarian; he can be reached at (360) 650-7555 or Gabe.Gossett@wwu.edu. There are
many useful resources at Gabe’s webpage:
http://www.library.wwu.edu/ref/subjects/extended/
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Student evaluation of the instructor and the course will occur near the end of
the quarter using WWU evaluation forms, procedures, and policies.
Assignments
Details of assignments and course requirements will be covered in class.
Note: Supplemental online readings will be required throughout the quarter.
All written assignments should be submitted via the Bb digital drop box
Participation:
 University policy requires students to invest between 12 and 16 hours per
week for a four-credit course. Students are expected to attend class
meetings, participate in Blackboard (Bb), and submit assignments on time.
 Bb assignments focus on the step-by-step process of constructing a research
proposal. By completing these assignments in Bb, students are better
prepared to think about and write upcoming proposal sections.
 If you are unable to attend our face-to-face class or to be on-line for a
significant period, it is your responsibility to contact me, access and read
missed (archived) Bb discussions, and complete all assignments when due.
Missing more than one class will affect your grade.
 Remember that there is no such thing as a ‘stupid question’ – students’
questions are both welcomed and encouraged.
 Students are expected to contribute to class discussion, participate in class
activities, and work with peer-review partners.
Weekly Questions:
Weekly questions will be based on the week’s required readings (one pt. each).
Annotated Bibliography:
Annotated bibliographies should be from two to four pages in length and include
a minimum of six articles (four of which must be research articles). An
annotated bibliography is essentially a series of detailed summaries of published
articles, which provides a brief overview of some representative current research
on your research topic. All articles annotated should be related to your research
problem/question. Think of your annotations as notes to yourself. What was the
purpose of the study? Who were the participants? What was measured and/or
examined? What were the findings of the study? Note the most salient concepts
from the article using your own words (do not copy the abstract of the article).
You are encouraged to read at least 10 articles and then select the six best to
inform your research proposal and to annotate. Full reference for each article
is an important element of annotated bibliographies. References should
include author(s), date of publication, title, journal, volume, and page
numbers when appropriate.
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Blackboard (Bb) Participation:
 Bb participation is required during weeks one through nine.
 Bb assignments are designed to help students understand key concepts,
enable me to offer feedback throughout the week, and encourage discourse.
 Students are expected visit Blackboard a minimum of one time each week
(though more frequent visits are encouraged). Please do not wait until the
end of the week to post your contributions.
 Weekly Bb contributions should be posted no later than midnight on
Sunday of each week in order to receive full points.
 New Blackboard forums will open by noon on Tuesday of each week.
 Blackboard discussion threads will be archived at the end of each week (by
noon each Tuesday). Students may read the archived discussions
throughout the quarter, but cannot post to them. Please post only to the
current week’s threads.
 Students are expected to read all contributions in their discussion group.
Certification of Knowledge: The National Institute of Health (NIH) Office of
Extramural Research provides an online tutorial on Protecting Human Research
Participants. Upon successfully completing the tutorial and accompanying test
students will receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to
complete the tutorial and test and to submit a copy of their certificate by or before
the date indicated in the Weekly Schedule area of the syllabus. The tutorial can
be accessed at: http://phrp.nihtraining.com/users/login.php
Papers:
Review of literature: In the Review of Literature section of your research
proposal you will cite at least six journal articles. A minimum of four of your six
journal articles should be research articles (meaning that the articles should be
written by researchers who are reporting on their research). Make sure to
include a reference section that includes a reference for each article cited.
The literature you select should inform your proposed study. When you compare
and contrast perspectives presented in the literature strive to use previous
research to support the need for your study by identifying gaps in the data of
previous studies or citing recommendations for future research that aligns with
your proposed study. Reiterate your research question, and explain how
completing your research might support, refute, and/or contribute to scholarly
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literature and/or the field of human services. This section should not be less
than three pages or more than five pages.
Introduction: In the Introduction section of your research proposal you will
include a statement of the problem (which identifies a problem, issue, or area of
inquiry) and describe the purpose of your proposed study. The introduction also
includes your research question, including an explanation of why it is important.
This section should not be less than one page or more than two pages.
Methodology: In the Methods section of your research proposal you will
identify your research approach, present your research design, and then
describe your participants (and how you will solicit their participation),
instrument(s), methods of data collection, and data analysis procedures (i.e.,
statistical and/or interpretive). This section should not be less than one page
or more than two pages.
Feasibility: In the Feasibility section you will examine the feasibility of your
research. What are the limitations? Are there any constraints? What biases or
assumptions might affect the outcome of your research (either yours or those of
the larger society)? What are the ethical considerations? What are the social,
political, and economic implications of your proposed research? Who will benefit
from the research? Who might be harmed by it? What individuals,
organizations, or institutions will be interested in your research? This section
should not be less than one page or more than two pages.
Appendices
Consent Form: Your consent form should describe your proposed study to
prospective participants, and discuss issues of confidentiality, benefits, risks, and
the voluntary nature of the study. This appendix should include contact
information and signature lines (see sample on page 155 of Marlow). Consent
form should not be more than one page in length
Instrument: A minimum of one instrument should be included in as an appendix
to your proposal. For example, if you are proposing an interview study, your
interview questions should be attached as an appendix. If you are proposing a
quantitative study that involves a testing instrument, attach either a copy of the
test or a description of the test.
All written assignments should be saved as a Word document and submitted by
using the Blackboard Drop Box. When you submit assignments using the drop
box make sure to include your last name and assignment title in the subject
heading (e.g., Edwards – Introduction). All assignments must be saved and
submitted as either a Word or RTF document (Word preferred). Make sure to
save all completed work on your computer.
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Note: Completed proposal should not be more than 17 pages (maximum)
in length.
Research Proposal: After you have written and revised all elements of your
proposal, construct the proposal in the following order:
1. Title page (page one)
2. Abstract (page two): the abstract should summarize your completed
proposal
3. Beginning with page three Introduction, Review of Literature,
Methods, and Feasibility sections
4. References: six scholarly articles (four of which are search articles)
cited in your review of literature
5. Appendices: consent form, instrument(s), and any supplemental
materials
Presentations:
 You will present your proposal during the final two weeks of the quarter.
Presentations will consist of summarizing your proposed research by
describing your research topic, why it is important, research participants,
instrument, and the methods of data collection and analysis, and feasibility.
 In addition, you are asked to share how you experienced the process of
writing a research proposal. Did you experience any unanticipated learning?
Do you feel more equipped to read and utilize research in the future? Will
you carry out your research proposal, and actually conduct the research for a
human services agency or organization? What did you find to be the most
significant or meaningful aspects of this learning experience? Did you feel
that any of the assignments laced usefulness or were ‘busy work’?
 Depending on class size, presentations will be approximately 10-15 minutes
(including time for questions). Be prepared to give and receive feedback.
Grading Criteria for Research Proposal
Written work and presentations will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
 Content: Information is accurate, well documented, and representative of
the particular area of inquiry.
 Clarity: Ideas and knowledge is presented clearly and demonstrates
specific understandings of the key concepts and meanings of the authors
cited and your analysis of the literature.
 Creativity: It is appropriate to employ a presentation style that will
capture and hold the audience’s attention.
 Depth and Breadth: Develop each section of your research proposal
thoroughly by demonstrating you ability to focus (depth) and to step back
and view the larger picture (breadth).
 Skill: Organize your thoughts and writing resources. Appropriately use
APA conventions as well as correct grammar, syntax, and punctuation.
 Timeliness: Meet due dates for assignments.
 Specificity: The proposal reflects the requirements as outlined in the
syllabus and in the handouts provided in Bb.
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Late assignments will be docked 10% for each day the assignment is late.
Students are expected to produce their personal best in HSP-385. Those who
do not earn a C- or better will be required to retake the course.
I will provide feedback on the first draft of each section. Students are also
expected to work with peer-review partners. Please utilize the feedback
you receive as you revise your work. The final draft of your research
proposal should reflect your personal best (which in most cases requires
multiple revisions). This is a writing intensive course.
Assignment Points
Assignment
Annotated Bibliography
NIH Certificate
Introduction
Review of Literature
Methods Section
Feasibility
Consent Form
Instrument
Research Proposal
Presentation
Blackboard
Assignments
Weekly Questions
Class Participation
Points Possible
5
5
10
10
10
10
2
2
20
2
Weeks
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
2 points each week
Weeks 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8
1 point each week
5
Percentage of grade
5
5
10
10
10
10
2
2
20
2
14
5
5
Grading
Grading is not based on effort or improvement; it is based on the quality of
academic performance. Grading policies are described in the WWU catalog.
100% - 95% = A
94% - 90% = A89% - 87% = B+
86% - 84% = B
83% - 80% = B79% - 77% = C+
76% - 74% = C
73% - 70% = C69% - 60% = D
Below 59% = F
8
POLICIES
Academic Dishonesty Policy: Western Washington University students
are responsible for reading, understanding, and upholding the standards of
academic honesty as set forth in the WWU Academic Dishonesty Policy and
Procedure (see Appendix D of the University Bulletin) and WWU's Academic
Honesty Policy at http://www.acadweb.wwu.edu/senate/acc/accPlagiarism.htm.
Attendance Policy: This course is process-oriented and depends on
your thoughtful participation. As a group, our aim is to model the human services
ideal that all are responsible for all. This ethos necessitates your personal
commitment to the instructor and other students. Therefore, please participate in
discussions. If you are not able to attend a class please notify the instructor prior
to missing the class. Discussion participation and class activities cannot be
made up; however, it is your responsibility to review all material and topics
covered in and out of class and complete all assignments when due. Please
keep the instructor advised of your situation. Students who miss more than two
weeks of class will not pass the class. For information regarding medical or
hardship withdrawals, contact Lilla Bodo, our program coordinator at
hs.everett@wwu.edu
Late Assignment Policy: All assignments are due on the dates indicated
in the syllabus. Late assignments will receive a 10% deduction for each day they
are late.
Written Work Policy: All written work must be typed, double-spaced, and
grammatically correct. The instructor does not consider more than 3 grammar
errors per page college-level work and will grade accordingly. You are
encouraged to proofread your work and read it out loud before submitting. Poor
writing skills and submission of work that does not address assignment criteria
will influence final grade. For assistance with writing assignments contact
WWU’s Writing Center at http://www.acadweb.wwu.edu/writepro
Reasonable Accommodation Policy: It is the policy of Western
Washington University to provide reasonable accommodations to the known
physical, sensory, or mental limitations of qualified individuals except where such
accommodation would impose undue hardship on the institution. To request
accommodation, students must contact WWU disability resources for Students at
(360) 650-3844 or www.wwu.edu/depts/drs/.
Corresponding by email: All students should use mywestern accounts
for official class email. You are welcome to forward your WWU email to a
personal account. However, please make sure that the forwarding system works
by testing it.
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HSP-385 Weekly Schedule of Readings & Assignments
Week 1 – 1/10
Introductions and Course Overview
Week 2 – 1/17
Blackboard only (no face-to-face class meeting)
Read before Bb:
Marlow – chapters 1, 2, & 3
Best – chapter 1
Homework - Bb:
Formulate research question
Visit: WWU Library Webpage
Week 3 – 1/24
Read before class:
Due 1/24:
Homework - Bb:
Week 4 – 1/31
Read before class:
Week 5 – 2/7
Read before class:
Marlow – chapters 5, 6, & 7
Best – chapter 3
Homework - Bb:
Complete NIH Tutorial:
http://phrp.nihtraining.com/users/login.php
Due 2/7:
Homework - Bb:
Week 6 – 2/14
Marlow – chapters 4 & 13
Best – chapter 2
Annotated Bibliography
Collect Literature
Read before Bb:
Due 2/14:
Homework – Bb:
Marlow – chapter 8
Best – chapter 4
Review of Literature
Marlow – chapters 9 & 10
Best – chapter 5
Introduction Section
Week 7 – 2/21
Blackboard only (no face-to-face class meeting)
Read before class:
Marlow – chapters 11 & 12
Best – chapters 6 & 7
Due 2/21:
Methods Section
Homework - Bb:
Week 8 – 2/28
Reread before class: Marlow – chapter 13
Due 2/28:
Feasibility Section
Homework - Bb:
Week 9 – 3/7
Due 3/7: Proposals & Presentations – Group 1
Week 10 – 3/14
Due 3/14: Presentations – Group 2
Celebrate!
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