As the first part of a two-course sequence for students who will do an Applied Doctoral Project (ADP), this course involves the advanced study of research design, and the quantitative and qualitative methods that can be used in addressing research questions. The course covers social scientific inquiry and research design, quantitative methodologies, and qualitative methodologies. Students will apply these approaches to a topic of their choice as a possible direction for developing their own ADP. [Effective 03/09/2021 the course title & description have updated, previously titled, Advanced Research Methods] .

In this course students will learn foundation skills for searching the academic literature and constructing a sound argument. Students will develop a detailed topic outline and an annotated bibliography of resources in an area of interest. This course will give students the opportunity to develop the research skills to succeed in their coursework and complete either an Applied Doctoral Project or Dissertation.

This course demonstrates the value of evidence-based practice as an integral part of formulating research and policy across multiple disciplines, including human services, education, and organizational leadership. Coursework examines the current definition of evidence- based policy and change approaches informed by research. The course also examines actions to further evidence-based policy, including preparing and communicating data more effectively, using existing analytic tools, conducting policy surveillance, and tracking outcomes with different types of evidence. This course emphasizes evidence-based practice within the context of action research, quality improvement, program evaluation, and other real-world research methodologies.

This initial research course is designed to acclimate students to the key components of the applied doctoral project and the Project Justification Template (e.g., problem, purpose, question), information literacy, and the literature review process. Students will begin the topic selection process at a general level for their applied research project.