Course Syllabus

Contact Information

This table includes information about how to contact your instructor and other important details about your class

	Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 9:00 - 12:00 pm Central Time Phone: (405) 325-1766 Email: Bert@ou.edu Live Session:  Tuesdays 7 - 8 pm  Central Time Zoom link:  https://oklahoma.zoom.us/j/98670089065?pwd=OXY2eWIvK2EzV3B4U1ZoeHpJd0Vjdz09 Meeting ID: 986 7008 9065 Password: 03892746
Dr. Shannon S.C. Bert Associate Professor College of Arts & Sciences

 

Course Details

This course is designed to provide basic skills in statistical methods, data analysis and evaluation, as well as an introduction to the concepts of research design, methodology, sampling techniques, measurement, and internal/external validity. This will involve students using skills necessary to design and implement an applied research project related to their area of concentration in Human Relations. The methodological approaches covered in this course are varied and include a wide range of social science orientations. Emphasis will be placed on students’ understanding of research methods and becoming critical consumers of information and research. This course will also offer a critical analysis of the statistical and research methods utilized in research studies.

Course Format

Consistent with the tradition of a graduate seminar, the course will consist of narrated PowerPoint presentations. In addition, each week the course will meet live to process course content and make connections with other students. A substantial amount of class time will be devoted to data analysis (using a calculator and Excel) and the discussion of the principles relevant to the design and implementation of research with human subjects.

Students are encouraged to add Excel to their computers. The data analysis portion of the class will focus on descriptive calculations and the use and interpretation of inferential statistics. If you do not have Excel, you can add it for free to your computer by using your OU account. Please check with OU IT to find out how to do it.

Updates and relevant information regarding the course will be posted to the “Announcements” page on Canvas (that is the main page you access when first logging on). This will include module-specific information and updates. To ensure that you do not miss any new information of relevance to the course, you will be responsible for checking the “Announcements” page at least once each week.

All course content and materials will be accessed via the Canvas site under the “Modules” tab.  Required readings, quizzes, assignments, exams and grading rubrics will be organized on Canvas under weekly modules. There will be a separate module for each of the 8 weeks of the course. All assignments are due in its relevant submission folder on Canvas. Please note that all deadlines for assignments are 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Deviations from this requirement on any one of the assignments must be coordinated with me in advance for approval. Exceptions will be made only for documented Provost-approved University-sponsored activities or legally required activities such as an emergency military service, jury duty, or documented serious illness or emergency situation occurs.

Suggested Course Materials

You are not required to purchase any textbooks for this course. Should you choose to purchase the suggested texts, student materials are available at the OU Bookstore website. There is no longer a physical bookstore, the store will remain, but textbooks will not be stocked. The website has bookselling, renting, buying, returning, and order tracking capabilities. If you need help with an order, or if you have any questions contact the toll-free phone at 1-(855)-790-6637, agents are available from 9a – 5p (EST) Monday – Friday.  Text prices are available online.

• Gay, L.R., Mills, G. E., & Airasian, P. (10^th edition or higher) Educational research: Competencies for analysis and applications. Pearson.
• American Psychological Association (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th Edition). Washington, D.C.: APA.

Additional materials will be posted on the OU Canvas learning management system.

Course Objectives

Students are encouraged to think critically, improve their problem-solving abilities, improve their writing, and work effectively in groups. I challenge students to challenge themselves, whether in their writing, their views, or in their aspirations as human relations professionals. What students take away from my classroom depends on the amount of effort they want to exert.

This course is designed to:

• Provide an understanding of various statistical and research methods and an understanding of the ways in which these can be appropriately applied
• Provide an understanding of quantitative research methods and appropriate utilization
• Provide an opportunity to learn statistical procedures (basic descriptive and inferential statistics) useful in summarizing and analyzing data
• Provide an understanding of the issues of validity and reliability
• Provide the student with basic knowledge related to different types of research designs and program evaluation
• Provide the student with the knowledge to critically evaluate research projects
• Provide the ability to develop a research question/research proposal with hypotheses
• Discuss the ethical considerations in research with human subjects

Grades

Breakdown

Activity	Individual Points	Total Points
Exams	100 points x 2 exams	200 points
Group Research Paper	150 points	150 points
Evaluation of Group Member Participation	25 points	25 points
Research Ethics Education	25 points	25 points
Attendance Quizzes (lowest score dropped)	5 quizzes x 20 points	100 points
Total		500 points

Scale

90% and above   A

80% to 89%        B

70% to 79%        C

60% to 69%        D

50 to 59%           F

Incomplete

A grade of Incomplete “I” will be given only for a justifiable reason (due to unavoidable circumstances, not lack of planning on the student’s part) and only if the student is passing the course. It is the responsibility of the student to request a grade of “I” and to consult with me as early as possible to determine requirements for completing the course. Any incomplete granted must be removed by the deadline specified by the instructor. The time limit set for removal of an incomplete will take into account the circumstances of the situation may not exceed one calendar year. Professors are not required to allow students a year to make up grades of “Incomplete.” Exceptions will be made only for documented Provost-approved University-sponsored activities or legally required activities such as emergency military service, jury duty, or documented serious illness or emergency and then only after discussion with me. Contact me by telephone or email if an emergency situation occurs.

Administrative Withdrawal

If a student has not completed at least half of the required assignments, a final grade of AW “Administrative Withdrawal” will be assigned with no grade or credit.

Course Components

Exams (100 points each)

There will be two multiple choice exams primarily comprised of material presented in topic-based informational slides and Zoom sessions.

Group Research Paper (150 points)

In groups of 2-3, students will write a research paper that will consist of a title page (10 points), abstract (10 points), introduction (30 points), literature review (30 points), methodology (30 points), data analysis (30 points) and reference section (10 points) describing an applied research project. Major portions of the paper will be submitted throughout the course as 4 separate writing assignments (each approximately 7-10 pages in length). Writing assignments will be presented in APA format and deadlines (as stated in the Tentative Course Schedule) must be adhered to. Five points will be deducted for each day an assignment is late. The complete group research paper will be approximately 40 pages in length; excluding the title and references pages.  

Most universities have a writing center, a place for students, faculty, and staff to meet and talk about writing. The ConocoPhillips Writing Center here at OU is a resource I encourage you to use. As a writer, you will want to seek feedback from many different readers. The writing consultants at the writing center are able to talk with you about your writing—at any stage in the process and for any course, you are taking.

You can make an appointment online or by phone (405-325-2936) and you can drop in whenever they are open.

Evaluation of Group Member Participation (25 points)

Upon turning in your final section of the Group Research Paper, each student will be required to fill-out an “Evaluation of Group Member Participation” form for themselves and each member of their research group. Scores for an individual will be based on an average score received from group members.

Research Ethics Education (25 points)

The goal of this assignment is to better acquaint students with basic ethical principles that underlie conducting research with human subjects. The Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) provides “research ethics education to all members of the research community.” Log in to the CITI home page; you will need to create a login ID and register as a University of Oklahoma Graduate Research Assistant. Complete all of the Social Behavioral Science Modules and quizzes to earn CITI certification.

The final product with be the CITI completion report, which students may submit as a Word, PDF, or HTML file in its corresponding Canvas assignment. Students must receive at least a 70% average on the subtests to receive credit; students may complete subtests as many times as desired.

Attendance Quizzes (100 points)

Attendance will be taken weekly though the use of quizzes worth a total of 20 points. That is, you may receive up to 20 points on 6 quizzes by successfully answering 20 multiple-choice or true/false questions (worth 1 point each) related to the material presented that week. Likewise, if you fail to complete a specific week’s quiz, you will not earn the 20 points. Students’ lowest quiz score will be dropped prior to calculating their final grade in the course.

Bonus Assignments (20 points)

Students have an opportunity to receive up to a total of 20 bonus points by completing 2 separate workbook assignments consisting of 7 problems per tab; each problem is worth 2 points. Students may select any 5 problems to complete and receive up to 2 points for fully correct answers. Some of the problems include multiple questions and may ask that students create something such as a histogram, a pie chart, or a scatter plot. Students should use Excel to produce the required graph and embed it on the same page as the question. Some of the problems ask that students respond with a narrative, such as composing a research question. Bonus assignments are due within their corresponding Canvas submission folder no later than Sunday, March 21 by 11:59 pm CST.

Course Policies

Communication Plan

I am available via email (Bert@ou.edu) to students during the above-listed Office Hours and other methods by arrangement. I will make every effort to respond to your emails within 24 hours Monday – Friday; emails will not be checked over the weekend.

Late Policy

Please note that all deadlines for assignments are 11:59 pm CST. Deviations from this requirement on any one of the assignments must be coordinated with me in advance for approval. Students should notify me (Bert@ou.edu) when they are not able to submit or complete an assignment by the listed due dates. Late or missed work is accepted up to a week after its listed due date; however, five points will be deducted for each day an assignment is late or missing. If after a week the assignment is still missing, and/or there has been no communication with me, a 0 will be assigned.

Exceptions will be made only for documented Provost-approved University-sponsored activities or legally required activities such as an emergency military service, jury duty, or a documented serious illness or emergency situation that occurs.

Inclusivity Statement

We understand our members represent a rich variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Human Relations Department is committed to providing an atmosphere for learning that respects diversity. While working together to build this community we ask all members to:

• Share their unique experiences, values and beliefs
• Be open to the views of others
• Honor the uniqueness of their colleagues
• Appreciate the opportunity we have to learn from each other in this community
• Value each other’s opinions and communicate in a respectful manner
• Keep confidential discussion the community has of a personal (or professional) nature
• Use this opportunity together to discuss ways in which we can create an inclusive environment in this course and across the University of Oklahoma community.

Respect Statement

We will respect one another’s views. Disrespectful dialogue is not allowed by students or the instructor (i.e., personal attacks, insults, harassment, etc.).

Statement about the MHR Program Planner and Human Relations Website

Students should become familiar with the MHR Program Planner that was sent to each student upon admission into the program. The planner has a description of the HR program objectives and requirements, suggestions for graduate study, financial assistance, and graduation information. Of particular interest are the information on the comprehensive exams and the internship. For further information please visit the Department of Human Relations website.

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University Academic Policies and Student Support

Mandatory Masking Policy

As outlined by the University of Oklahoma¹s Chief COVID Officer, until further notice, employees, students, and visitors of the OU community will be mandated to wear masks: 1) when they are inside University facilities and vehicles and 2) when they are outdoors on campus and social distancing of at least six feet is not possible. For the well-being of the entire university community, it is important that everyone demonstrate the appropriate health and safety behaviors outlined in the University Mandatory Masking Policy. As this mandate includes all campus classrooms, please make sure you are wearing your mask while in class. If you do not have a mask or forgot yours, see the professor for available masks. If you have an exemption from the Mandatory Masking Policy, please see the professor to make accommodations before class begins. If and where possible, please make your professor aware of your exemption and/or accommodation prior to arriving in class.

If a student is unable or unwilling to wear a mask and has not made an accommodation request through the ADRC, they will be instructed to exit the classroom.

Course Catalog 

Search the OU Course Catalog.

Student Handbook

Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.

Online Library

Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.

Academic Misconduct

In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook. 

It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the definitions, policies, and procedures concerning academic misconduct. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.

This site also defines misconduct, provides examples of prohibited conduct, and explains the sanctions available for those found guilty of misconduct.

Plagiarism 

Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism. 

For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.

Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities

The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require accommodations in this course should contact their professor as early in the semester as possible.

Students with disabilities must be registered with the Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations in this course.

If you have a disability and you would like to make a request for reasonable accommodation, please see the Graduate Student Handbook or get in touch with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center.

Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues

Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability.  Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.

Title IX Resources  

For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no contact orders, scheduling adjustments, and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. Please contact the Sexual Misconduct Office at 405-325-2215 (8-5, M-F) or OU Advocates at 405-615-0013 (24/7) to learn more or to report an incident. 

Religious Holidays

It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays without penalty. It is the responsibility of the student to make alternate arrangements with the instructor at least one week prior to the actual date of the religious holiday.

Copyright Policy

It is illegal to download, upload, reproduce, or distribute any copyrighted material, in any form and in any fashion, without permission from the copyright holder or his/her authorized agent. The University of Oklahoma expects all members of its community to comply fully with federal copyright laws. If such laws appear to have been violated by any user, the university reserves the right (1) to terminate that user’s access to some or all of the university’s computer systems and information resources and (2) to take additional disciplinary actions as deemed necessary or appropriate. Repeat offenders will be sanctioned and their privileges terminated.

Registration and Withdrawal

If you choose to withdraw from this course, you must complete the appropriate University form and turn the form in before the deadline. If you stop attending the course and doing the coursework without doing the required paperwork, your grade will be calculated with missed homework and examination grades entered as zero. This could result in receiving a grade of F in the course. Deadlines are shown in the Academic Calendar, which is available from the Office of the Registrar.

Student Grievances

In addition to any policies outlined related to submitting an informal or formal grievance by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook for more information about the process of submitting a formal grievance.

Course Schedule

(Subject to change)

Unless stated otherwise, all assignments are due on Sundays at 11:59 p.m. Central Time