Syllabus

Schedule

Course Weeks

• Week 1 Feb 27 – Mar 6
• Week 2 Mar 6 – Mar 13
• Week 3 Mar 13 – Mar 20
• Week 4 Mar 20 – Mar 27
• Week 5 Mar 27 – Apr 3
• Week 6 Apr 3 – Apr 10
• Week 7 Apr 10 – Apr 17
• Week 8 Apr 17 – Apr 21 (Sunday)

Course Schedule

The assignment/discussion descriptions mentioned below are summaries. Please make sure to review the full assignment prompts in Blackboard.  There may be additional readings/videos that are not mentioned in this weekly summary, make sure to carefully review the modules in Blackboard. 

Week 1: Introduction to Research Methods

Objectives: 

• Formulate a health promotion research topic and question using existing qualitative and quantitative data
• Begin CITI Training

Reading: 

• Research Methods in Health Promotion Textbook (RMHP):
  • Chpt. 1, pgs. 3-22
  • Chpt. 3, pgs. 45-77
• Narrowing a Topic and Developing a Research Question 

Videos:

• Picking your topic is research (2014).Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0B3Gjlu-1o&feature=youtu.be[Accessed 10 May 2018].
• Choosing a manageable research topic (2012) Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDuqfJQhFeM&feature=youtu.be [Accessed 10 May 2018].

Lectures:

• Introduction to Course
• Week 1 Chapter 1
• Week 1 Chapter 3
• Secondary Data Analysis and Course Project Overview

Week 1 Discussion: Develop your Research Question

• This week you will begin the process of conducting secondary analysis of existing qualitative and quantitative data.  In your Week 1 discussion post, you will formulate one health promotion research topic and at least one research question that can be answered using the existing qualitative and quantitative data from the Life on antiretroviral therapy: People’s adaptive coping and adjustment to living with HIV as a chronic condition in Wakiso District, Uganda study.

  Original Post:

  Using the materials presented in the learning module and the Data and Companion Materials folder, identify one research question that you would like to explore during your course projects. In a maximum of 200 – 250 words, as an original post, identify the following:

  1. Your proposed research topic
  2. At least one refined research question
  3. How your proposed research question was chosen (be descriptive about your process)
  4. A study rationale explaining why the topic is important to address.  Please support your rationale with a minimum of five scientific journal articles and address a) the nature and magnitude of the health problem you will address, b) the most recent and relevant evidence from studies that have explored similar research questions, and c) any other epidemiological data that illustrates the need for further study into your specific research question.  
  5. Briefly explain the feasibility of addressing the research question using the existing data by identifying your independent variable(s), your dependent variable(s) and demographic control variable(s).   

  Response Post:

  In the discussion board, comment on one of your colleague’s research topic, research question, and study rationale.  Your feedback should include both positive and constructive feedback.  In a maximum of 200 – 250 words, include detailed, and descriptive feedback related to:

  1. Strengths and weaknesses of their approach, topic, and proposed research question
  2. Similarities and differences between your proposed ideas and your colleague’s proposed ideas
  3. Possible enhancements to their proposed research question
  4. Suggestions for addressing weaknesses

  DUE: Your initial post is due Sunday by 11:59 pm ET and at least one response is due by Wednesday 11:59 pm ET. 

  If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction. Posts submitted after the discussion week will not be graded.

  To ensure that you complete your original post independently, you must submit your original post before you view posts from other students.   Please be sure to submit the full and final version of your original post as your first submission.  Updated posts that have been submitted after viewing other original posts will not be accepted.  Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.

  The response posts are designed to provide an opportunity to receive and provide feedback that will help enhance your final submissions.  Please keep in mind that providing peer feedback as early as possible maximizes the positive impact of your contribution.  Please make an effort to submit your response posts as early as possible.  

Week 2: Fundamentals of Health Promotion Research

Objectives: 

• Describe the process for conducting ethical health research.
• Complete CITI Training.

Reading: 

• Research Methods in Health Promotion Textbook (RMHP):
  • Chapter 4, Observational Research Designs
  • Chapter 5, Experimental Research Designs
  • Chapter 6, Principles of Sampling
  • Chapter 7, Measurement in Health Promotion
  • Chapter 8, Qualitative Research Strategies and Methods for Health Promotion

Lectures:

• Week 2 Part 1
• Week 2 Part 2
• Week 2 Part 3

Week 2 Discussion: Study Design Critique

• Original Post:

  Using the “original study background” document in the Data and Companion Materials folder, discuss the original research design used in the Life on antiretroviral therapy: People’s adaptive coping and adjustment to living with HIV as a chronic condition in Wakiso District, Uganda study you’re working with for the course projects.  In an original post of no more than 200-250 words, briefly describe:

  1. The research design used in the original study to answer the overall research question and how you determined what the research design is.
  2. At least 2 strengths and 2 weaknesses of the research design.
  3. An alternate research design that would enhance the original research study and briefly explain your rationale.  Be sure to include applicable concepts from week 1 in your assessment.

  Response Post:

  In your response post, present a brief, critical evaluation of at least one of your colleague’s assessment of the original research design. In your evaluation, identify whether or not you agree with your colleague’s assessment, explain why and identify any missing information if applicable. Provide 1 additional strength and weakness to his or her list.  Then, comment on your colleague’s recommendation for an alternate research design approach, specifically addressing the strengths and weaknesses of their proposed design.  Be sure to include applicable concepts from week 1, in your assessment.

  DUE: Your initial post is due Sunday by 11:59 pm ET and at least one response is due by Wednesday 11:59 pm ET. 

  If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction. Posts submitted after the discussion week will not be graded.

  To ensure that you complete your original post independently, you must submit your original post before you view posts from other students.   Please be sure to submit the full and final version of your original post as your first submission.  Updated posts that have been submitted after viewing other original posts will not be accepted.  Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.

  The response posts are designed to provide an opportunity to receive and provide feedback that will help enhance your final submissions.  Please keep in mind that providing peer feedback as early as possible maximizes the positive impact of your contribution.  Please make an effort to submit your response posts as early as possible. 

Assignments: 

CITI Training Module on Human Subjects Protection:

Successful completion of the CITI training is required for faculty-level principal investigators, all students, and graduate level research staff, in advance of your IRB submission. Whether you are conducting human subjects research as part of a course project, your thesis or your final capstone, the Integrative Learning Experience (ILE), it is important to be complete CITI training and ensure that your certification remains current.  This week, you will complete the required CITI training you began in Week 1.

Instructions

Please review UNE’s CITI Training guidance page for conducting research with human subjects at the institution. After reviewing the guidelines and completing the registration steps, complete the required modules for the Social & Behavioral Research Investigators – Basic Course in its entirety.  Please be sure to save your progress as you complete each module and upload your CITI Completion Certificate.

DUE: Wednesday by 11:59 pm ET

Week 3: Applications of Health Promotion Research Methods

Objectives: 

• Compose the first part of the scientific manuscript methods section 

Reading: 

• Research Methods in Health Promotion Textbook (RMHP):
  • Chpt.  9, pgs. 81-114
  • Chpt. 10, pgs. 115 -146
  • Chpt. 13, pgs. 367 – 393
• Azevedo LF, Canário-Almeida F, Fonseca JA, Costa-Pereira A, Winck JC, & Hespanhol V (2011). How to write a scientific paper—Writing the methods section. Revista Portuguesa de Cardiologia, 17(5), 232-238.

Lecture:

• Week 3

Week 3 Discussion: Materials and Methods Section A

• Original Post:

  Compose the first part of the scientific manuscript methods section. Please submit your section to the initial post, realizing that it may be adjusted (on your own or based on peer feedback) by the end of the week. Post your materials and methods (section A) along with your reference list as a new discussion thread. Please see Manuscript Materials and Methods Section A assignment instructions for details. Your assignment will need to be completed before participating in the discussion post.

  Response Post:

  In your response post, comment on at least one of your colleague’s materials and methods (section A).  Please give positive and constructive feedback.  As much as possible, provide your colleague with concrete recommendations for improvement.  Compare and contrast your methods (section A) with your colleagues’.

  DUE: Your initial post is due Sunday by 11:59 pm ET and at least one response is due by Wednesday 11:59 pm ET. 

  If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction. Posts submitted after the discussion week will not be graded.

  To ensure that you complete your original post independently, you must submit your original post before you view posts from other students.   Please be sure to submit the full and final version of your original post as your first submission.  Updated posts that have been submitted after viewing other original posts will not be accepted.  Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.

  The response posts are designed to provide an opportunity to receive and provide feedback that will help enhance your final submissions.  Please keep in mind that providing peer feedback as early as possible maximizes the positive impact of your contribution.  Please make an effort to submit your response posts as early as possible. 

Assignments: 

• Materials and Methods Section A

  • Instructions: 

    You will receive peer and instructor feedback on your materials and methods section.  In addition to posting your materials and methods (section A) and applicable references to this week’s discussion board, upload a copy as an assignment for instructor feedback. The Materials and Methods section is a critical part of a scientific manuscript. It should describe exactly what you did in your study. 

    In 1,000 words or less, describe your research study in sufficient detail so that a skilled investigator in the field could replicate the study. If you include information from previously published methodology describing the original study, appropriate reference should be supplied. Include information addressing ethical approvals and standards.  Then, describe your study population in explicit detail and describe the necessary details regarding your research design. Be sure to describe how the study was conducted and be certain to include all of the measurements that will be reported in the results. 

    After reviewing peer feedback you received in the discussion board, make any adjustments you deem necessary. Upload your materials and methods A section and a reference list of all applicable sources included in the methods section as a Word document, titled:  Materials and Methods A_Your Name, formatted in AMA style (10th edition).

    DUE: Wednesday by 11:59 pm ET

Week 4: Data Analysis: Getting Results

Objectives: 

• Compose the data analysis portion of the scientific manuscript methods section

Reading: 

• Research Methods in Health Promotion Textbook (RMHP):
  • Chpt. 14, pgs. 398-428
  • Chpt. 15, pgs. 430-454
  • Chpt. 16, pgs. 455-481
• Overview of Mixed Methods Research:
  • Doyle L, Brady AM, Byrne G. An overview of mixed methods research. J Res Nurs. 2009; 14: 175

Video:

• Creswell J. (2018). What is Mixed Methods Research?Available at: https://youtu.be/1OaNiTlpyX8  [Accessed 10 May 2018].

Lectures:

• Week 4 Part 1
• Week 4 Part 2

Week 4 Discussion: Materials and Methods Section B

• Original Post:

  Compose the data analysis portion of the scientific manuscript methods section. Please submit your section to the initial post, realizing that it may be adjusted (on your own or based on peer feedback) by the end of the week. Post your materials and methods (section B) along with your reference list as a new discussion thread. Please see Manuscript Materials and Methods Section B assignment instructions for details. Your assignment will need to be completed before participating in the discussion post.

  Response Post:

  In your response post, comment on at least one of your group member’s materials and methods (section B). Please give positive and constructive feedback. As much as possible, provide your colleague with concrete recommendations for improvement. Compare and contrast your methods section, paying special attention to the analysis plan.

  DUE: Your initial post is due Sunday by 11:59 pm ET and at least one response is due by Wednesday 11:59 pm ET. 
  

  If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction. Posts submitted after the discussion week will not be graded.

  To ensure that you complete your original post independently, you must submit your original post before you view posts from other students.   Please be sure to submit the full and final version of your original post as your first submission.  Updated posts that have been submitted after viewing other original posts will not be accepted.  Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.

  The response posts are designed to provide an opportunity to receive and provide feedback that will help enhance your final submissions.  Please keep in mind that providing peer feedback as early as possible maximizes the positive impact of your contribution.  Please make an effort to submit your response posts as early as possible. 

Assignments: 

• Materials and Methods Section B

  • Instructions: 

    You will receive peer and instructor feedback on your materials and methods section.  In addition to posting your materials and methods (section B) and applicable references to this week’s discussion board, upload a copy as an assignment for instructor feedback.  Note:  The materials and methods (section B) should be the expanded version of your materials and methods (section A) from week 3 and should now include a detailed description of your data analysis plan and should be 1,500 words or less. 

    Describe in sufficient detail the statistical methods used for the study data analysis, including descriptive statistics and methods for statistical inference. This section should have a close link to the aims of the study and should precisely establish what will be presented in the results section.

    After reviewing peer feedback you received in the discussion board, make any adjustments you deem necessary. Upload your materials and methods A section and a reference list of all applicable sources included in the methods section as a Word document, titled:  Materials and Methods B_Your Name, formatted in AMA style (10th edition).  

    DUE: Wednesday by 11:59 pm ET

• Week 4 Quiz

Week 5: Approaches to Qualitative Data Analysis

Objectives: 

• Complete a Qualitative Content Analysis

Reading: 

•  Research Methods in Health Promotion Textbook (RMHP):
  • Chpt. 16, pgs. 482-489
• Erlingsson C, Brysiewicz P.  A hands-on guide to doing content analysis.  Afr J Emerg Med. 2017; 7(3): 93-99.

Lecture:

• Week 5

Week 5 Discussion: Qualitative Data Analysis – Getting Started

• 1. What were your pre-understandings?
  2. What was it like to use your intuition?
  3. Were there any hard to place data?
  4. What aspects of content analysis do you feel most comfortable executing? 
  5. What aspects of content analysis do you need to work on? 

     This content analysis exercise provides instructions, tips, and advice to support the content analysis novice in a) familiarizing oneself with the data and the hermeneutic spiral, b) dividing up the text into meaning units and subsequently condensing these meaning units, c) formulating codes, and d) developing categories and themes.  Do not complete this discussion post until you have read through the Hands-on Guide to Doing Content Analysis.

     You will analyze the first of two transcripts that you will use for your course projects.  Using the techniques outlined in the Hands-on Guide to Doing Content Analysis, and complete the steps of conducting a content analysis of the qualitative data from the Davis’ interview. Use the template to complete your content analysis of the Davis’ interview transcript.  Save the table as a PDF document and upload it to Blackboard as an original discussion post.  

     Familiarization

     In this analysis phase, you are gaining a sense of the text as a whole. Write down your initial impressions. Embrace your intuition and respond to the following questions:

     1. What is the text talking about? 
     2. What stands out? 
     3. How did you react while reading the text? 
     4. What message did the text leave you with?
     5. Reflect on your hermeneutic cycle.

     Dividing and Condensing the Data

     Keeping your research aim and question clearly in focus, divide up the text into meaning units. Located meaning units are then condensed further while keeping the central meaning intact.  Using Table 2 in the hands-on guide model, create a list of at least five and a maximum of ten meaning units and condensed meaning units.

     Formulating Codes

     Develop codes that are descriptive labels for the condensed meaning units.  Using Table 3 in the hands-on guide as a model, create a list of at least five and a maximum of ten codes.  

     Developing Categories and Themes  

     Sort your codes into categories that answer the questions who, what, when?  One does this by comparing codes and appraising them to determine which codes seem to belong together, thereby forming a category.  Name your categories and give it a brief description of each.  Then, identify themes that express the underlying meaning.  Remember, themes are formed by grouping two or more categories together. Themes answer questions such as why, how, in what way or by what means? Therefore, theme names should include verbs, adverbs, and adjectives and are very descriptive.

     Original Post: 

     In no more than 500 words, reflect on the process of conducting a qualitative analysis.  Be sure to respond to the following questions in paragraph form and include your reflection at the bottom of your table:

  Response Post:

  In your response post, comment on at least one of your colleagues’ original post. Please give positive and constructive feedback. As much as possible, provide your colleague with concrete recommendations for improvement. Please be sure to specifically address the following:

  1. Compare and contrast your reflection of the qualitative analysis process with your qualitative analysis process. 
  2. Compare and contrast your meaning units, condensations, codes, categories, and themes with your colleagues’.  Point out the differences, similarities, and suggestions that you might have.

  DUE: Your initial post is due Sunday by 11:59 pm ET and at least one response is due by Wednesday 11:59 pm ET. 

  If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction. Posts submitted after the discussion week will not be graded.

  To ensure that you complete your original post independently, you must submit your original post before you view posts from other students.   Please be sure to submit the full and final version of your original post as your first submission.  Updated posts that have been submitted after viewing other original posts will not be accepted.  Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.

  The response posts are designed to provide an opportunity to receive and provide feedback that will help enhance your final submissions.  Please keep in mind that providing peer feedback as early as possible maximizes the positive impact of your contribution.  Please make an effort to submit your response posts as early as possible.

Week 6: Qualitative Data Analysis using Analytic Software

Objectives: 

• Apply the qualitative data analysis techniques you have learned to analyze qualitative data using ATLAS.ti qualitative data analysis software
• Apply the quantitative data analysis techniques you have learned to analyze quantitative data using STATA quantitative data analysis software

Reading: 

• Friese S, Soratto J, Pires D.  Carrying out a computer-aided thematic content analysis with ATLAS.ti 
• Atlas.ti User Manuals
• Software Downloads

Videos:

ATLAS.ti is one of the multiple user-friendly software options for organizing and analyzing your qualitative data.  This week you will review the ATLAS.ti overview. This overview is essential to your success in getting started with and completing your qualitative data analysis using a qualitative data analysis software program.  You may also find it helpful to familiarize yourself with the quick help tutorials that are available to you as you complete your analyses.

• ATLAS.ti Overview (Windows): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1MepexCjxk
• ATLAS.ti Overview (MAC):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqPHJ0T4iZs
• Quick Help Tutorials for Specific Tasks: https://atlasti.com/video-tutorials

Week 6 Discussion: Mixed Methods Data Analysis Progress Report

• Choose one of the following transcripts:

  Dominion Interview

  Mercy Interview

  Paloma Interview

  Then, complete the steps necessary to conduct a content analysis.  You can refer to the Erlingsson and Brysiewicz article from Module 5 and the structure of the module 5 discussion post to help guide the process of conducting a content analysis, using ATLAS.ti.  As you are working on completing your mixed methods data analysis by conducting your qualitative analysis using Atlas.ti and completing your quantitative analysis independently using STATA, it will be helpful to reflect on your progress.  The final results of your qualitative analyses from Weeks 5 and 6 will be due In Week 7, in your mixed methods results section.  In this week’s discussion post, you will give a brief progress report on your mixed methods data analysis process to date.  

  Original Post:

  Please respond to each of the prompts below, as an original post.  At the top of your post, include your name, your research question, and the name of the transcript you used for your analysis.  Begin your reflection by presenting each of the prompts listed below and responding to each one individually in no more than 150 words per prompt.

  1. What qualitative analysis approach did you use and why did you choose that approach?
  2. What two things did you find most useful about using Atlas.ti to analyze your qualitative data and how was it useful to you for your analysis?
  3. What two things did you find most difficult about using Atlas.ti to analyze your qualitative data?  Then choose one and describe how you overcame the obstacle you encountered.
  4. How do you plan to incorporate your qualitative and quantitative data into a mixed methods results section?  Note, you might find it helpful to refer back to the Week 4 lecture slides and the Mixed Methods Applications: Illustrations from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health website as you think through this prompt. 
  5. What are two broad themes that are emerging from your qualitative data analysis? 

  Response Post:

  In the discussion board, comment on one of your colleague’s mixed methods data analysis progress report.  Begin your response by presenting each of the prompts listed below and responding to each individually in no more than 150 words per prompt.

  1. Provide one additional aspect of using Atlas.ti that you found most useful when analyzing your qualitative data and suggest how it could be useful to your colleague for his/her analysis.  
  2. Pick the one remaining aspect of using Atlas.ti that your colleague found most difficult and make a suggestion for how to overcome that particular barrier.  
  3. Compare and contrast your approach to incorporating your qualitative and quantitative data into a mixed methods results section with what your colleague has proposed.  Are there similarities, differences, strengths, weaknesses that should be considered?  Note, you might find it helpful to refer back to the Week 4 lecture slides and the Mixed Methods Applications: Illustrations. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health website as you think through this prompt. 
  4. Compare and contrast your two broad themes that are emerging from your qualitative data analysis with the themes your colleague presented. Are there similarities and/or differences?

  DUE: Your initial post is due Sunday by 11:59 pm ET and at one response is due by Wednesday 11:59 pm ET. 

  If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction. Posts submitted after the discussion week will not be graded.

  To ensure that you complete your original post independently, you must submit your original post before you view posts from other students.   Please be sure to submit the full and final version of your original post as your first submission.  Updated posts that have been submitted after viewing other original posts will not be accepted.  Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.

  The response posts are designed to provide an opportunity to receive and provide feedback that will help enhance your final submissions.  Please keep in mind that providing peer feedback as early as possible maximizes the positive impact of your contribution.  Please make an effort to submit your response posts as early as possible. 

Week 7: Disseminating Your Research Findings

Objectives: 

• Apply techniques for integrating data in mixed methods studies
• Compose a mixed methods scientific result section 

Reading: 

• Creswell JW, Klassen C, Plano Clark VL, Clegg Smith, K, and Assistance of a Specially Appointed Working Group. Best Practices for Mixed Methods Research in the Health Sciences. The Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR). 27-35
• Analysis, Interpretation, and Reporting Results of Mixed Data Sources and Analysis:
  • O’Cathain A, Murphy E, Nicholl J. Three techniques for integrating data in mixed methods studies. Res Method and Report. 2010; 341:4587

Lecture:

• Week 7

Week 7 Discussion: Results Section

• Original Post:

  Please submit your section to the initial post, realizing that it may be adjusted (on your own or based on peer feedback) by the end of the week. In a new discussion thread, post your mixed methods results section along with your tables, figures, and graphs (if applicable). Please see Results Section assignment instructions for details. Your assignment will need to be completed before participating in the discussion post.

  Response Post:

  In your response post, comment on at least one of your colleague’s results section.  Please give positive and constructive feedback.  As much as possible, provide your colleague with concrete recommendations for improvement.  Compare and contrast your actual results, your results section narrative, and your table, figures, and graphs (if applicable), paying special attention to the accuracy of the results and the visual representation.

  DUE: Your initial post is due Sunday by 11:59 pm ET and at least one response is due by Wednesday 11:59 pm ET. 

  If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction. Posts submitted after the discussion week will not be graded.

  To ensure that you complete your original post independently, you must submit your original post before you view posts from other students.   Please be sure to submit the full and final version of your original post as your first submission.  Updated posts that have been submitted after viewing other original posts will not be accepted.  Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.

  The response posts are designed to provide an opportunity to receive and provide feedback that will help enhance your final submissions.  Please keep in mind that providing peer feedback as early as possible maximizes the positive impact of your contribution.  Please make an effort to submit your response posts as early as possible. 

Assignment: Results Section

• Instructions: 

  The results are the second most important part of your manuscript and will include both a narrative description of the results and any data visualizations you decide to include (i.e., tables, figures, graphs, etc.). Now that you have described what you did (the Materials and Methods), you should next describe what you found. The organization of the results should be parallel to the organization of the methods. Start by describing your population: how many participants were included in your analyses, demographics of the individual groups, etc. Then describe the outcome(s) of your primary variable(s). Design an ATLAS.ti dataset. Define qualitative concepts, patterns, codes, and themes through data analysis. Describe the process of codebook development and data coding. Describe the process used for interpreting qualitative data in health promotion research. Present mixed methods results. Do not interpret the results – that is the purpose of the Discussion Section. After reviewing peer feedback you received in the discussion board, make any adjustments you deem necessary.

  As you complete your results section, you may find it helpful to refer to the example mixed methods research articles in the Data and Companion Materials Folder and the Provider views on childhood obesity management in primary care settings: A mixed methods analysis article by Rhee et al., from Module 6.

  DUE: Wednesday by 11:59 pm ET

Week 8: The Big Picture

Objectives: 

• Identify key components of commonly used health promotion research methods
• Describe characteristics of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches to health promotion research

Reading: 

• No reading materials this week

Lecture:

• Week 8

Video:

• Why do we conduct research? – Research Summit 2016 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k05myqXOQVc  

Assignments: 

• Week 8 Reflection Quiz

Student Resources

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• UNE Student Academic Success Center

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The Career Ready Program provides tools and resources to help students explore and hone in on their career goals, search for jobs, create and improve professional documents, build professional network, learn interview skills, grow as a professional, and more. Come back often, at any time, as you move through your journey from career readiness as a student to career growth, satisfaction, and success as alumni.

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AMA Writing Style Statement

The American Medical Association Manual (AMA) of Style, 11th edition is the required writing format for this course. Additional support for academic writing and AMA format is provided throughout the coursework as well as at the UNE Portal for Online Students.

Online resources: AMA Style Guide

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The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.

Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in APA citation and academic writing.

You can learn more about Turnitin in the guide on how to navigate your Similarity Report.

Technology Requirements

Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs: Technical Requirements

Course Evaluation Policy

Course surveys are one of the most important tools that University of New England uses for evaluating the quality of your education, and for providing meaningful feedback to instructors on their teaching. In order to assure that the feedback is both comprehensive and precise, we need to receive it from each student for each course. Evaluation access is distributed via UNE email at the beginning of the last week of the course.

Late Policy

Students are responsible for submitting work by the date indicated in Brightspace.

Quizzes and Tests: Quizzes and tests must be completed by the due date. They will not be accepted after the due date.

Assignments: Unless otherwise specified, assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.

Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.

Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.

Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures

The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.

Student Handbook

UNE Course Withdrawal

Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.

Academic Integrity

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit https://www.une.edu/studentlife/plagiarism.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
3. Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
4. Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
5. Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations.  Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final.  Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.