American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication Manual of
  the American Psychological Association, 5th Edition. Washington DC:
  Author.

Anderson, D.R., Sweeney, D.J. & Williams, T.A. (1998). Statistics for
  Business & Economics, 8th Edition. New York: South-Western College
  Publishing.

Weiss, C. (1997). Evaluation, 2nd Edition. Prentice Hall.
 --- Chapters 6, 7, 12 only. 

As one of two research methods courses in the MPA program, this course provides graduate students with the conceptual and practical tools to develop proposals for and conduct non-experimental research projects, policy analyses, and program evaluations, as well as to evaluate and incorporate the implications of published reports into their practice as professionals.

Upon completion of the course, participants should have an understanding of:

  Research methods as used in management settings.
  Quantitative research approaches.
  The of previous research and related literature.
  The process of hypothesis formulation and testing.
  Descriptive and inferential statistics.
  Data requirements for statistical procedures.
  Ethical considerations and constraints.
  The role of information technology in quantitative research
    and statistical analysis.

At the conclusion of this course the student will be able to:

  Determine when quantitative approaches are necessary and appropriate.
  Interpret quantitative research.
  Apply various inferential statistical tests.
  Develop sampling and data collection techniques.
  Use descriptive statistics to report findings.
  Define ethical and legal constraints on research.
  Present research findings in written and graphic or oral formats.
  Analyze the application of information technology in research.

During this course, a series of case problems from the text will be assigned in lieu of one larger paper. These papers will be presented formally using the academic style of the APA. Specifically, that means that student submissions will have an appropriate cover page, page margins, type face and size, page numbering, etc., all following requirements of the American Psychological Association style manual.

The case problems are based on larger data sets available to the student on the CD-ROM supplied with the textbook. MS-Excel computer software is required to access the data on the CD. In each assignment, the case problem requires problem solving with statistical calculations and some analysis. The analysis is often as simple as answering three questions associated with the case problem. Even so, it is expected that the successful student will respond in complete sentences, organizing their responses, citing sources where necessary, and using correct standard English. Data, calculations, and tabular results may be presented either as computer-generated output (preferred) or in neatly organized and accomplished hand writing.

Every class meeting is important. Attendance in class is mandatory. Emergencies, illnesses and duty assignments constitute excused absences. The student is responsible for material covered and assignments missed during an absence. It is the student's responsibility to coordinate make up work.

The student is expected to participate regularly in discussions and complete homework and class assignments on time.

A participation score will be assessed based on a student?s active discussion, positive attitude for learning, and communicative, cooperative attitude.

A student must be prepared to discuss and work with readings during the session in which they are assigned; you must read ahead to be prepared for class.

The instructor reserves the right to modify the class schedule based on needs of the students and class progress in consonance with course objectives.

Computer software [Excel, etc.] may be used for homework assignments and case problems; but no computer aids will be allowed on exams. Handheld calculators are the basic tool for both homework and exams.