This course introduces students to the concepts and philosophies underlying academic research and the scientific method. The process, assumptions, strengths and weaknesses of the scientific method are explored together with alternative paradigms. Students will be in a position to define their research problem on completion of this course.

Not required

Upon completion of this course, students will:

1) Be able to understand the scientific method as used for academic research.
2) Be able to understand the various stages of conducting academic research.
3) Be able to critically evaluate what constitutes academic research.
4) Be able to write an appropriate research problem with proper background, assumptions and delimitations.
5) Have completed the CITI course in the protection of human research subjects.

1. Required Materials


1. Textbooks

Paradigms Regained: A Further Exploration of the Mysteries of Modern Science - 2000
Casti, J. L.
Harpercollins Publishers
New York, NY
ISBN: 0-380-73171-1


Paradigms Lost: Images of Man in the Mirror of Science - 1990
Casti, J.L.
Avon Books
New York, NY
ISBN: 0-380-71165-6

Notes: (Please note that this book is out of print and you will probably have to purchase it used. Please do this in good time as it forms an essential part of the discussion on the first weekend)

Practical Research: Planning and Design - 9.Edition - 2009
Leedy, P.D. and Ormrod, J.E.
Pearson
Upper Saddle River, NJ
ISBN: 0137152426/9780137152421


Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association - 6.Edition - 2010
American Psychological Assn.
American Psychological Association
Washington, DC
ISBN: 13:978-1-4338-0561-5


2. Articles

Rossiter, J. R. (2002). The C-OAR-SE procedure for scale development in marketing. International Journal of Research in Marketing, 19, 305-335.

3. Others

Miller, G. (Director) (1993). Lorenzo's Oil (DVD)
ISBN: (ASIN B0001CNRAM)

Note: This film is not available through the bookstore.


APA Manual
The APA Manual is a recommended textbook for all courses.
Effective July 1^st 2009, the 6th edition of the APA Manual is recommended for all courses.

NSU Bookstore
Textbooks and Case Studies may be purchased from the NSU Bookstore (located in the University Park Plaza) by calling 1-800-509-2665 or online at http://www.nsubooks.bkstore.com.

The NSU libraries comprise the Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center, East Campus Branch Library, Health Professions Division Library, Law Library and Technology Center, North Miami Beach Branch Library, University School Library Media Centers, and the William S. Richardson Ocean Science Library. Students are strongly encouraged to visit one of the physical locations and/or take advantage of the vast electronic library available for research. For more information, please visit http://www.nova.edu/library.

Please note that all required and recommended materials should be referenced in APA style.