EAD706 - Research Methods and Statistical Analysis

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2023-05-29 00:50:47.345
Last review date 2023-06-05 00:15:00.786

Subject Title
Research Methods and Statistical Analysis

Subject Description
This course is intended to help students become familiar with the research process. Students will come to understand the many decisions they will have to make to develop a research project based on a question of their design. To this end this course will provide students with a practical understanding of the research methodologies relevant to the field. Topics covered will include: types of quantitative and qualitative research (and the perils and benefits of a synthesis of the two), preparing the research proposal (including developing a research question/hypothesis/purpose that is appropriate to the field and in need of study), how to carry out a literature search and write a review of the literature, developing a theoretical framework, research design and questions of methodology (including data collections techniques, and analyzing and interpreting data), reliability, validity, and statistics (including descriptive and inferential statistical techniques), articulating the findings, understanding assumptions, biases, limitations of the study, and identifying the implications for the field and future research. By the end of this course, students will be expected to prepare a research proposal and will therefore learn to develop a research question/hypothesis/purpose that is appropriate to the field and in need of study. Topics secondary to the research process such as time management, personal motivation, organization, identifying the audience, writing conventions and formatting will also be explored. Since it is presumed that human subjects may be involved in such projects students will learn about research ethics and how to complete an ethical review process.

Credit Status
EAD 706  is a required subject in the Bachelor of Child Development.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

  1. Formulate a feasible research question relevant to the field of early childhood development and learning.
  2. Synthesize existing research and theoretical/conceptual frameworks pertinent to the research topic in a review of the literature.
  3. Evaluate research design, methods and ethical practices for application in a research project.
  4. Justify the philosophical assumptions, paradigms and methodological frameworks that guide research.
  5. Appraise the possible impact of professional and personal bias.
  6. Design a proposal for an applied research study to address a research question.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.