3 credits
Fall 2026 Lecture Upper Division
This class covers basic elements of research design for social scientists, with an emphasis on issues pertinent to natural resource management. Topics to be covered include the role of theories and paradigms in designing sound research, writing research questions and hypotheses, and the importance of validity and reliability in research design. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods designs are presented and discussed.
Learning Outcomes1Understand fundamental concepts such as theories and paradigms that are essential precursors to designing sound research.
2Able to articulate clear research questions and testable hypotheses.
3Know under which circumstances qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods are appropriate.
4Demonstrate knowledge of a variety of commonly-used research methods.
5Articulate basic steps involved in analyzing qualitative and quantitative data.
6Demonstrate the ability to write a research proposal.
Restrictions
made by Purdue students.