Course InformationInstructor InformationCatalog DescriptionCourse OverviewStudent ObjectivesTopical OutlineReadingsRECOMMENDED (from most to least essential)Required Student Tasks/Assignments1. Evaluate research scenarios 25%2. Construct a bibliography for a particular research problem 25%3. Complete a (short!) research proposal 50%Grading ScaleKNR 295 SYLLABUS Fall, Spring, 20XXSCHOOL OF KINESIOLOGY AND RECREATIONKNR 295 Honors SeminarCourse InformationNAME: KNR 295 – Honors SeminarLOCATION: Horton 227M (My office)CREDIT HOURS: 1MEETING TIME: TBAInstructor InformationINSTRUCTOR: Dr. Peter SmithOFFICE LOCATION: Horton 227MOFFICE HOURS: Check with me (varies by semester)OFFICE PHONE: 438-3553WEB SITE:http://www.castonline.ilstu.edu/smith/hs/hs_home.htmEMAIL: [email protected] DescriptionHonors Seminar 1 F, SIntroduction to independent honors study; identification and definition of problems; selected methods of problem solving; use of library resourcesCourse OverviewThis course is open to Kinesiology and Recreation students who have been accepted into the KNR honors program. We meet bi-weekly through the semester. The focus is on helping students identify, define, and find ways to approach research problems in their specific interest areas. Students will become acquainted with introductory research methodology, together with the use of library resources. Assignments consist of evaluating a variety of research problems, developing your own research problem, creating a bibliography for the problem, and proposing a means of tackling the problem.Student ObjectivesUpon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:1. Understand and use basic terminology of research methodology2. Evaluate a variety of research problems using such terminology3. Apply a variety of techniques necessary for library research (databases, online catalogs, organizing bibliographies)4. Understand the use of basic research design in order to address various research problems5. Apply knowledge of research design by developing a research proposal Topical OutlineI. Foundationsa. Language Of Research1KNR 295 SYLLABUS Fall, Spring, 20XXb. Philosophy of Researchc. Ethics in Researchd. Conceptualizinge. Evaluation ResearchII. Samplinga. External Validityb. Sampling Terminologyc. Statistical Sampling Termsd. Probability Samplinge. Nonprobability SamplingIII. Measurementa. Construct Validityb. Reliabilityc. Levels of Measurementd. Survey Researche. Scalingf. Qualitative Measuresg. Unobtrusive MeasuresIV. Designa. Internal Validityb. Introduction to Designc. Types of Designsd. Experimental Designe. Quasi-Experimental Designf. Relationships Among Pre-Post Designsg. Designing Designs for Researchh. Advances in Quasi-ExperimentationV. Use of the library as a resource for researcha. Library Tour & Information Retrievalb. Librarian Assistance for KNRc. Online searches, Indexes, and Shelving Location of Referencesd. Citing of ReferencesReadingsRECOMMENDED (from most to least essential) 1. Trochim, William M. K. (2001). The Research Methods Knowledge Base (2nd ed.). Cincinnati, OH: Atomic Dog Publishing.NB: This text is also available on the web. You can either buy the bookstore copy for $40, the web copy for about $20, or access the general pages for free at <http://trochim.human.cornell.edu/kb/index.htm>. It is roughly the same information, but as you spend less ease of access decreases. Personally, I still like holding the book in my hands. I provide links to the free pages on my web site.Required Student Tasks/AssignmentsAssessments are designed to determine the students’ level of mastery of the educational objectives.1. Evaluate research scenarios 25%2KNR 295 SYLLABUS Fall, Spring, 20XXEvaluation of a number of research scenarios designed to assess your understanding and application of the various validity types essential to research methodology.2. Construct a bibliography for a particular research problem 25%Use the library search skills to construct a list of resources applicable to a particular research problem.3. Complete a (short!) research proposal 50%Propose a research study based on an evaluation the shortcomings of the research in an area of your choice. The review will focus on a particular aspect of the validity of an area of research, and a study will be designed to improve upon it.Grading Scale90% - 100% = A (excellent)80% - 89% = B (good)70% - 79% = C (careless)60% - 69% = D (difficult)Below 60% = F (no way…needs some kind of disaster, or a failure in our admissions