Winter, 2021

FR501

Wong

FR501: RESEARCH METHODS, STATISTICS AND DESIGN. Alison Wong.

DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the principal concepts of social science research. While the course reviews basic research and statistical skills, its primary goal is for students to learn to be critical consumers of published reports. Students will be introduced to the methods and goals of evaluation research, in both its qualitative and quantitative applications. Students will also be introduced to the concept of evidence-based therapies and the implications for ethical practice.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students who complete the course will be able to: (a) understand fundamental concepts of statistics and research design; (b) perform basic statistical analyses using SPSS; (c) critique empirical studies, particularly in the area of program evaluation.

RELATIONSHIP TO SCHOOL AND SEMINARY LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Graduates, in their scholarly and clinical work will be equipped to apply the insights of Christian theology along with the knowledge and techniques of the social and behavioral sciences.

2. Graduates will be prepared to contribute to the development of knowledge as it relates to the interface of religious, spiritual and psychological functioning.

3. Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and attitudes necessary to serve effectively in diverse communities locally and globally.

4. Graduates will demonstrate competence in utilizing, critiquing, and conducting psychological research.

COURSE FORMAT:

This 4- or 5-unit online course requires watching and engaging asynchronously (online, not live) with posted video lectures, article reviews, quizzes, and statistical assignments. Weekly optional synchronous (live) meetings will be made available for students who wish to delve more deeply into course concepts. Students registered for 5-units will be required to complete additional article reviews, readings, and a written assignment.

REQUIRED READING:

Williams, L., Patterson, J., & Edwards, T. M. (2014). Clinician΄s Guide to Research Methods in Family Therapy: Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice. New York: The Guilford Press. [ISBN: 978-146251597. $40]

Salkind, N. J. (2014). Statistics for people who (think they) hate statistics. (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. [ISBN: 978-1452277714. $70.00. Note: the ISBN is for the 5^th edition of the book, NOT bundled with SPSS statistical software.]

FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED FOR 5 UNITS:

Sprenkle, D. (2002). Effectiveness Research in Marriage and Family Therapy. Alexandria, VA: American Associate of Marital and Family Therapy. ISBN: 978-1931846080. $59.95

RECOMMENDED READING:

American Psychological Association (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7^th edition). Washington, DC: Author. ISBN: 978-1433832161. $21.00

Creswell, J. W. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5^th edition). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. ISBN: 978-1452226101. $165.97

Davidson, E. J. (2004). Evaluation methodology basics. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. ISBN: 978-0761929307. $60.00.

Fowler, F. J., Jr. (2013). Survey research methods (5^th edition). Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications. ISBN: 978-1452259000. $60.00

Hinton, P. R. (1997). Statistics explained (3^rd edition). New York: Routledge. ISBN: 978-1848723122. $74.00

McClendon, M. J. (2004). Statistical analysis in the social sciences. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. ISBN: 978-0534637835. $202.20

Miller, R. B., & Johnson, L. N. (Eds.). (2014). Advanced methods in family therapy research: A focus on validity and change. New York, NY: Routledge. ISBN: 978-0415710909. $76.22.

Pan, M. L. (2016). Preparing literature reviews: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (5^th edition). Los Angeles: Pyrczak. ISBN: 978-1884585760. $30.00

Pyrczak, F. (2018). Evaluating research in academic journals (2^nd edition). Los Angeles: Pyrczak. ISBN: 978-1483373345. $32.00

Urdan, T.C. (2016). Statistics in plain English (4^th edition). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum. ISBN:978-1138838345. $38.36

(Note: some students have found it helpful to review their undergraduate textbooks in research and statistics as needed.)

ASSIGNMENTS:

Quizzes, article reviews, statistical assignments using SPSS.

PREREQUISITES:

Open to all students: some background in statistics is highly recommended.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:

1. Core requirement for MSMFT; elective for MAFS.

2. Meets BPC Section 4980.36(d)(2)(A) for the State of California.

3. Meets AAMFT core competency domains 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4.

FINAL EXAMINATION:

None.