WELCOME TO:
Spring 2005 - REC 710 HOME PAGE
Dr. Patrick Tierney
(415) 338-1818; Email: ptierney@sfsu.edu;
Office: HSS309
Office Hours: Mn 10:10-11:00am; Tu 2:00-4:00pm; Th
7:00-7:30pm
* FINAL REC 710 Grades, as of 5/30/05
* Latest Class Schedule, as of 3/17/05
* Chapters in a thesis
Specific Class Outlines
* 2/3 Outline
REC
710 CLASS
OUTLINES
The links listed above lead to outlines
for specific class periods. These are "bare bones" outlines with limited
information, not all classes maybe be posted, and not all topics covered in class may be
in the outline. Outlines are NOT meant to replace attendance at class. They are intended
to supplement material provided in class and assist students with studying for the class,
especially knowing topics for exams. They may also contain suggestions for assignments or
material that could not be covered in a class, but will be on the exam. You must
"fill in" the outline from information provided during the class and in assigned
readings. Some students find it helpful to review or even print out the class outline
before they arrive at the specific class period. I will try to have the outline for the
upcoming class posted one day prior to class, but time constraints may not permit me to do
so for all periods.
BULLETIN DESCRIPTION
Introduction
to general research approaches, design, and methodology, with emphasis on
research design and methods used in recreation and leisure studies.
Review of pertinent literature. Practical
experience with graduate level resources at SFSU.
INTERNET
COMPETENCY
This
course requires a basic understanding of internet browsers and e-mail programs
to access the world wide web and course website.
COURSE
OUTCOMES
Students
are expected to take responsibility for their own learning.
This means that you are expected to develop and exhibit sound
intellectual skills. From each
class session, find the most basic ideas, principles, and meanings and use
this information as a basis for analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating all of
the class material. All of your
work should be thorough and precise and show evidence of independent and
critical thinking. Use these
qualities in class discussions, group work, your writing, and when you read
assignments. Students are
expected to attend all class sessions (on time), to keep up with the readings
and assignments, and to engage actively in class discussions.
At
the completion of this course, students will be able to:
1.
Understand the broad purposes and types of research.
2.
Make effective use of the library, information technology and other
resources at SFSU for research purposes.
3.
Understand and discuss theories and/or conceptual frameworks used in
research in recreation, leisure, and related fields.
4.
Interpret, analyze, and evaluate literature in recreation and leisure
and related fields and apply it to professional practice.
5.
Design a research proposal using principles of scientific inquiry.
6.
Identify a problem that can be solved using scientific research
methods.
7.
Develop a research design and methodology appropriate to the problem
being investigated.
8.
Design or select appropriate data collection instruments and methods.
9.
Apply basic data analysis strategies and basic statistics used for
selected research problems.
10.
Demonstrate understanding of numerous ways to portray data.
REQUIRED
TEXTS
·
American
Psychological Association (2000). Publication manual of the American Psychological
Association (5th ed.). Washington, D.C.
· Creswell,
John. (2003). Research Design; Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods
Approaches. Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, CA.
·
The
REC 710 website, located at http://userwww.sfsu.edu/~ptierney,
will have some lecture outlines, handouts and assignments posted on it.
ASSIGNMENTS
The
workload for this class is substantial and requires that you keep up with the
readings and assignments. Each
assignment is designed to teach you the basic principles of scientific
inquiry, leading ultimately to a completed research proposal.
Each assignment is described below.
1.
RESEARCH ARTICLE CRITIQUES (2)
(20 points each)
Each
student will review and analyze two scholarly, refereed journal articles.
To fulfill the requirements of this assignment, each student will
submit an in-depth critique of the articles selected and attach a copy of the
research article to each review. A
detailed assignment sheet will be distributed in class.
1st Article Critique
Due Date: Feb 24
2nd
Article Critique Due
Date: March 17
2.
EMPIRICAL RESEARCH (ERP) & CRITIQUE (50 pts) & PEER REVIEW (50
pts)
The
class will engage in a research study as a group. Each student is expected to be an active participant in this
process, from determining the purpose of the study and the sample, to
developing the instruments and from the project and present findings. Each
student will write their own critique of the process (50 points).
You will need to work outside of class time to complete this project.
Everyone in class is busy and works, so you must make time in your
schedule for the ERP work. A peer review will evaluate the contribution of
each student (worth 50 points).
Event
Date: ERP Objectives due March 31,
2005. Other deliverables follow.
Critique
Due Date: May 5
3.
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
The
main assignment for this class is to write a research proposal which includes
the first three chapters of a master’s thesis.
To help you accomplish this task, you will have numerous assignments
that will be submitted to the professor in sequence throughout the semester.
The related assignments are:
a.
Draft - Statement Problem/Purpose of the Study
Due:
Feb. 17
b.
Revised - Statement Problem/Purpose of Study (5 pts.)
Due: Feb. 24
c.
Literature Review Outline (5
pts.)
Due:
Mar. 3
c.
Chapter 1 (25 pts.)
Due: Mar. 10
d.
Chapter 2 (25 pts.)
Due: Apr. 21
e.
Chapter 3 (25 pts.)
Due: May 12
g.
*Final Proposal (100 pts.)
Due:
May 26
*The
final proposal (Chapters 1-3) will be submitted at the end of the course as
one complete and integrated document. Students
will submit 2 copies of their final
proposal. One copy will be
returned with comments from the professor and one copy will be retained for
departmental files.
4.
ORAL PRESENTATION AND ABSTRACT (15
points)
Each
student will make a 15 minute oral presentation of his/her research proposal
and related literature. The purpose
of this assignment is for students to demonstrate their knowledge of the research
process in which they are engaged and of their research topics.
Areas to be included are: an overview of the problem; assumptions and
limitations of the study; key literature citations to support the research
problem; instruments and methodology.
In addition, included should be a brief discussion on how the data
will be analyzed and how they will be portrayed.
Each student will provide one copy of the research abstract to each
class member and two copies to the professor.
Presentation
Date: May 19(there are no
make-ups)
METHODS
OF EVALUATION
Students
can earn up to 350 points in this course.
See the point value and % of grade for each assignment.
ASSIGNMENTS POINTS % OF GRADE
SARR Conference paper 15 4.6
Statement/Purpose 5 1.5
Literature Review Outline 5 1.5
Pop Quizzes 10 3.0
APA Worksheets 10 3.0
Article Critique #1 15 4.6
Article Critique #2 15 4.6
Chapter 1 25 7.8
Chapter 2 25 7.8
Chapter 3 25 7.8
Final Proposal 100 30.8
Empirical Project and Critique 50 15.4
Oral Presentation and Abstract 15 4.6
Participation in Class 10 3.0
Total 325 100%
The
university grading system uses grades A-F, including + and -.
Points
Grade Points Grade
350-315
A
244-210
D
314-280
B
209 or less
F
279-245 C
CLASS
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
Class
starts promptly at 7:10pm to allow students in REC 730 time to transfer and
get a quick snack. Since this
class will utilize guest speakers and student teams, it is critical that students
attend class. Attendance is expected
at all class sessions. Students
who miss 3 classes without documented serious and compelling reasons, will
receive an “F” grade for the course.
Meeting attendance is an expected behavior in graduate school and in
the “real world.” Read assigned
readings before class. Pop quizzes
will be given at the start of class to ensure assigned readings have been
completed. Obtain course notes
from other students if you must miss a class.
Some classes may have lecture outlines posted on the class website. Handouts are provided by the instructor and on the class website.
PAPER REQUIREMENTS
Students
in REC 710 are expected to write papers at a professional level.
1.
All assignments must be typed and double-spaced .
2.
A maximum of 50% of the total possible points are available if turned
in late. No assignments will
be accepted two weeks after due date. Points
deducted for each day late.
3. Every assignment turned in must have a title page.
4.
Only original work (no copies) will be accepted.
5.
Materials or ideas from another source that are used verbatim in
your
work must be referenced in your report.
6.
Make a paper copy of your reports, as well a copy on diskette, in
case
the original is lost.
7.
Points will be deducted for incorrect spelling, grammar, sentence
structure, typing neatness, etc.
Be proud of your work! PAPERS WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF MISSPELLINGS
AND GRAMMATICAL ERRORS WILL BE PENALIZED AND RETURNED UNGRADED.
8.
Papers
MUST follow APA (5th ed.) style, both in text and references.
TAKE
THIS REQUIREMENT SERIOUSLY. PAPERS
THAT DO NOT HAVE PROPER APA FORMAT
WILL BE PENALIZED AND RETURNED UNGRADED.
NOTES
·
This
course has been organized to allow for the progressive
development of the research proposal.
Because of this structure and the great amount of work that is required
in this class, it is important to keep up-to-date with your readings and
assignments. Each step of the research process is built upon previous steps,
thus, your progress throughout the semester will depend on your ability
to complete each phase of the research process in a timely manner.
·
Each
student will receive feedback from the professor throughout the semester on
the development of the research proposal.
Please incorporate this feedback into your work.
* This course has been organized to allow for the progressive
development of the research proposal.
Because of this structure and the great amount of work that is required
in this class, it is important to keep up-to-date with your readings and assignments. Each step of the research process is built upon previous steps,
thus, your progress throughout the semester will depend on your ability to
complete each phase of the research process in a timely manner.
·
During
some class sessions, students will have the opportunity to work together in
small groups and give one another feedback on their respective research proposals
as they are being developed.
·
The
research process can be both collaborative and isolating. Working together on the empirical group project and in small
work groups can help students to understand the collaborative nature of research.
I hope that this collegial interaction will help to alleviate some
of the stress and isolation which is also characteristic of the research process.
·
Proofread
your work for proper spelling, grammar, and sentence structure.
Use the APA manual for help with elements of style and good writing
tips.
·
Research
can be an exciting and interesting experience.
I hope that your experience in this class helps you to recognize:
1) the vast application
of research methods and strategies in your every day life; and 2) the position
of strength from which you operate when you have a basic, sound knowledge
of this scientific process.
CHEATING
AND PLAGIARISM
Cheating is the
actual or attempted practice of fraudulent or deceptive acts for the purpose of
improving one’s grade or obtaining course credit; such acts also include
assisting another to do so. Plagiarism is a specific form of cheating
which consists of the misuse of the published and/or unpublished works, written
or on a website, of others by misrepresenting the material as one’s own work.
You must properly cite the work of others. Using papers from students in
a previous class or from so called "student term papers" websites is
considered plagiarism. Students who cheat
during a quiz or examination will receive 0 points for the exam.
Students who plagiarize will
receive 0 points for the assignment and will be reported to the dean.
If they copy the work of another student in class, both students will
receive 0 points. A second offense
will result in an immediate grade of "F" for the course and a referral
to the dean's office.
COLLEGE OF
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES WITHDRAWL POLICY:
The last
day to drop a class is Feb 25, 2005. It is the student's
responsibility to touch tone drop classes by the fourth week of the
semester. From Feb 26-Ap 29 you must submit a withdrawal petition.
Withdrawal from a class after Feb 25 will be considered for serious and
compelling reasons only, and must have accompanying documentation. IF YOU
REQUEST A WITHDRAWAL AFTER THE 4TH WEEK, CONTINUE ATTENDING CLASS UNTIL YOU KNOW
THAT YOUR WITHDRAWAL REQUEST HAS BEEN GRANTED. After April 29 you may not
withdraw from a class or the University, except in the case of a serious,
documented illness or verified accident. The following reasons are not
considered serious and compelling: Changing your major, poor
performance, class not required for graduation/major, or more time needed for
other classes. If you wish to withdraw from class due to unexpected changes
in your work schedule, illness or family emergencies, documentation will be
required, along with a copy of unofficial transcripts. If you are requesting a
withdrawal, bring your petition and appropriate documentation to your instructor
during office hours for discussion. Deadlines for all registration procedures,
including withdrawals and requests for credit/no credit, are listed in the class
schedule and will be strictly adhered to by the instructor, the Department, and
the Associate Dean of CHHS.
CREDIT/NO CREDIT POLICY:
April 1 is the last day to request the CR/NC
option. The College office will
not approve requests for changes if you miss this deadline. Students are
responsible for requesting this option; do not expect your
instructor to process this request for you. You can request CR/NC online
(click on MySFSU), or you can sign and bubble CR/NC on your instructors
classlist by deadline. No changes can be made after April 1.
CHECK REGISTRATION ONLINE:
All students, check your registration online
BEFORE the Drop deadline to be sure your registration is what you want. You can
Drop classes online by the deadline. Click on MySFSU and enter your Student ID
and PAC to request drops or CR/NC option.
LAST DAY
TO ADD A CLASS: February 11, 2005.
CLASS
POLICY ON INCOMPLETES:
An incomplete will only be awarded for
documented serious and compelling reasons. A completed and signed Incomplete
Contract Form must be presented to the instructor for consideration.
|
Week of |
REC 710 Research Methods
Topics |
Dates*
Readings/Due Dates |
|
2/3
|
Intro;
assessment; research proposal components; scientific inquiry; problem
statement; purpose |
RD - Ch. 1, 3
|
|
2/10 |
Statement of
topic, problem statement; Research proposal, thesis components.
|
RD - Ch. 2, 4
DUE: Draft
Research Topic |
|
2/17
|
Evaluation of
research problem; purpose of study; Literature review. Library Tour;
Critique research article. MEET normal time/place, then 6:30-7:30 in
SFSU LIBRARY(meet info desk) |
DUE: Draft
Problem Stmt/Purpose of Study |
|
2/24 |
Types of
Research; qualitative, quantitative; research designs. |
Ch. 7. APA
Manual
DUE:
Article Critique#1
DUE: APA #1
|
|
3/3 |
APA Format;
Theoretical Frameworks. Hypotheses; Scope of Study; Limitations of Study |
Ch. 6, 8
DUE:
Literature Review Outline |
|
3/10 |
Measurement;
Operationalizing variables, scales
|
Ch. 8, 9
DUE:
Chapter 1 |
|
3/17 |
Sampling.
Introduction to ERP. Guest speaker |
Ch. 9
DUE: 2nd
Article Critique |
|
3/25 |
Spring holiday |
No classes |
|
3/31 |
Ethics and
informed consent. Instruments;
reliability and validity. Meet in front of HSS bldg. at cafe on 19th ave.
|
Ch. 9.
Handouts. Due ERP Problem Statement. DUE: ERP
Objectives
|
|
4/7 |
Data
collection methods.
|
Handouts. DUE: APA
#2
DUE: Draft
ERP Survey |
|
4/14 |
ERP
objectives. Pre-testing. Qualitative data analysis |
Handouts
DUE:
Revised ERP Survey |
|
4/21 |
Review ERP
qualitative data. Quantitative survey.
|
TBA
ERP Data
Collection DUE: Chapter 2 |
|
4/28 |
Data Entry &
Analysis. Correlation, t-tests, Chi-square statistics |
TBA
ERP Data
File |
|
5/5 |
Review ERP
data tables. Data Analysis – Multi-variate statistics, tests of
significance.
(Advising Day
but REC 710 meets) |
TBA
DUE: ERP
Critique
Optional: ERP
Data Tables |
|
5/12 |
Mixed methods.
ERP critique. |
Chs. 10, 11
DUE: Chapter 3 |
|
5/19 |
Course
wrap-up. Student Presentations. |
Student
Presentations |
|
5/26
|
4:00pm.
Chapters 1-3 Due In Lieu of Final Exam |
DUE: Final
Proposal (Chapters 1-3) |
* Dates
are subject to change by instructor. Revisions will be announced in class and
posted on the REC 710 class website.