Ateneo - UPO

Introduction to research and scientific method.
Bibliographic research and critical revision of the literature.
Planning a research study: choice of the research design, variables, data collection, analysis, and interpretations, dissemination of results.
Approaches for controlling artifact and bias.

Title: Essentials of Research Design and Methodology
Authors: Marczyk G, DeMatteo D, Festinger D
Editor: Wiley
ISBN: 978-0-471-47053-3

Aim of the course is to provide students the tools to critically analyze the scientific literature as well as the bases to engage in scientific research.

Basic English to read scientific papers.

Classes with slide presentations; off-line lessons with videos and scientific articles.

Learning will be assessed thorough the course and on DIR by questions and discussions on specific topics, also on the basis of students’ specific interests.
The final exam will be a multiple-choice questions test and an oral exam as stated in the Syllabus of the "Corso Integrato".

Characteristics of the scientific method
The research process and its steps
Bibliographical research and literature revision; bibliographical indexes
Advancing hypothesis and selecting the variables
Types of variables and consequent limitations in their analysis
Main types of research designs
Approaches for controlling artefacts and bias
Sampling
Internal and external validity
Diffusion of the results (oral presentation, poster, paper)

At the end of the course, students are expected to have acquired familiarity with methodological approach of scientific research, identification of the variables, data collection, analysis, and interpretation of the results in order to both critically evaluate scientific literature and engage in their own research.