Syllabus

Undergraduate Programs

HLTH 1050 Introduction to Research Methods (Fall A 2025)

Credits - 3

Description

This course provides an introduction to methods commonly used in social science research. Students will engage with real-world health issues in order to explore concepts regarding study design, data collection, and ethics of research involving human individuals and populations. Topics include quantitative and qualitative research approaches, epidemiological methods, clinical trials, program evaluation, and appraisal of published research literature. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the skills needed to conduct and interpret health research effectively.

Materials

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Quantitative Reasoning

• Understand the fundamentals of social science research

1. 1. • Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research approaches
      • Understand ethical considerations and responsibilities in social research

• Develop research design skills

1. 1. • Formulate clear research questions and hypotheses
      • Identify validity and reliability threats based on study designs

• Understand data collection techniques

1. 1. • Discuss quantitative and qualitative data collection strategies

• Build data analysis capabilities

1. 1. • Apply qualitative coding and thematic analysis techniques
      • Identify appropriate strategies for analyzing quantitative data

• Develop critical evaluation skills

1. 1. • Assess the quality and limitations of research studies
      • Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different methodological approaches

• Communicate research plans and dissemination of results

1. • Write clear specific aims page, including summary of the study design, benefits, and research questions to be answered
   • Present findings in accessible formats for different audiences

SLOs addressed:

• Quantitative Literacy

1. 1. 1. Identify and apply appropriate methods for solving real-world quantitative problems to make informed decisions.
      2. Judge the soundness and limitations of an evidentiary argument that is based on quantitative data.
      3. Summarize data verbally, numerically, symbolically, and/or graphically to effectively communicate the results of data analysis.

• Scientific Method

1. 1. Assess the validity of scientific arguments including those in peer reviewed literature.
   2. Evaluate and interpret objectively gathered scientific data to draw conclusions in multiple contexts and effectively communicate them in written and oral formats.

 

Assignments

For all assessments and learning activities, see Brightspace for the full assignment descriptions and instructions. Read the prompts carefully and use the rubrics to confirm how assignments and discussions will be graded.

Weekly Discussions

Weeks 1-6 include a discussion prompt where students are required to submit an initial post and one or two response post(s). 

Unless otherwise specified, initial posts are due Saturdays by 11:59 pm ET; responses to at least two peers are due Tuesdays by 11:59 pm ET.

Week 2 Assignment: Literature Review

Students will conduct a literature review to explore a research topic of interest in depth. The goal is to understand the scope and impact of a chosen issue, including its burden, frequency, and severity. This assignment will strengthen a foundational knowledge for developing a research question.

Week 5 Assignment: Thematic Analysis

Students will conduct a qualitative thematic analysis of an interview transcript to identify key emerging themes. Students will select one interview from the provided Hurricane Sandy survivor oral histories, then utilize the Thematic Analysis Worksheet to guide their process.

Week 7 Assignment: Specific Aims Page

This assignment requires students to summarize their hypothetical study concept using a standard, single-page Specific Aims Page format, similar to those used for research grant proposals like NIH’s PHS 398.

Week 8 Assignment: Final Project Presentation

The final project challenges students to synthesize the skills learned throughout the course by developing a research funding presentation. Students will prepare a 5-7 minute visual presentation with voice-over, designed for a grants committee. The presentation aims to effectively communicate their proposed research, demonstrating its need, methodology, and potential for impact.

Grading Policy

Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:

Grade Breakdown

Learning Activity	Points
Week 1 Discussion	8
Week 1 Quiz	4
Week 2 Discussion	8
Week 2 Asisignment	10
Week 3 Discussion	9
Week 4 Discussion	9
Week 5 Discussion	8
Week 5 Assignment	10
Week 6 Discussion	8
Week 6 Quiz	4
Week 7 Assignment	10
Week 8 Discussion	2
Week 8 Discussion	10
TOTAL	100

Grade Scale

Grade	Points Grade	Point Average (GPA)
A	94 – 100%	4.00
A-	90 – 93%	3.75
B+	87 – 89%	3.50
B	84 – 86%	3.00
B-	80 – 83%	2.75
C+	77 – 79%	2.50
C	74 – 76%	2.00
C-	70 – 73%	1.75
D	64 – 69%	1.00
F	00 – 63%	0.00