LIS-S 506 Introduction to Research
3 credits
- Prerequisite(s): LIS-S 500, LIS-S 507
- Delivery: Online
- Semesters offered: Fall, Spring, Summer (Check the schedule to confirm.)
Description
The overarching goal of this course is to introduce you to the ways in which librarians use research methods and practices in their work. Librarians conduct their own research for publication and grant proposals but in equal measures, they support library users in pursuit of their own research as well as teach students how to conduct research, especially with regard to literature searching and scholarly communication. This course is intended to explore the many ways in which research influences the work of librarians and information professionals and hopefully inspire you to engage in research throughout your professional lives.
Program Learning Goals Supported
Instructors map their courses to specific LIS Program Goals. Mapped program goals drive the design of each course and what students can expect to generally learn.
- Connect Core Values and Professional Ethics to Practice
- Conduct Systematic Research to Inform Decisions
- Examine Systemic Inequalities to Improve Library and Information Practices through Equitable and Socially Just Interventions
Learning Outcomes
Instructors develop learning outcomes for their courses. Students can expect to be able to achieve the learning outcomes for a given course after successfully completing the course.
- Evaluate research literature critically.
- Assess the value of research by applying appropriate principles and methods.
- Determine appropriate research methods to answer particular research questions.
- Analyze data using qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Design a research project.
- Communicate research results effectively.
Course Overview
Instruction is in Canvas. Lessons are organized into Modules whose length may vary.
Module 1: Research in LIS, Applied Data & Informatics
- Describe the nature of scientific inquiry in LIS,
- Explain the conduct of research in LIS
Module 2: Librarians & Research
- Analyze how librarians use research in their work
- Investigate the process for developing a research agenda
Module 3: Research Questions
- Develop an open-ended research question that aims to investigate and solve a problem in the field of LIS, Applied Data, or Informatics.
Module 4: Research Ethics
- Analyze how ethical behavior is essential for the conduct of science
- Critically evaluate the research literature, reports, and results in the field
Module 5: Social Science Research
- Identify basic concepts associated with social science research
- Demonstrate advanced search strategies to locate research information on your proposed question
Module 6: Literature Review
- Locate scientific research and primary and secondary data resources to support a research question
- Summarize major findings of research articles.
- Develop a search strategy to locate relevant research articles
- Apply advanced search strategies to locate research articles relevant to a research question
Module 7: Theory
- Analyze the relationship between theory, method, and evidence
Module 8: Comparison of Qualitative & Quantitative Methods
- Compare and contrast qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Recognize key components of qualitative or quantitative approaches
Module 9: Quantitative Data Collection
- Apply multiple methods of collecting, managing, and analyzing evidence (data)
- Describe quantitative methods for data collection
Module 10: Quantitative Data Analysis
- Discuss quantitative methods and their relevance to your research question
- Critically evaluate a quantitative research article
Module 11: Qualitative Data Collection
- Apply multiple methods of collecting, managing, and analyzing evidence (data) to answer a research question
- Describe data collection methods for qualitative research
Module 12: Qualitative Data Analysis
- Critically evaluate a qualitative research article
- Discuss analysis methods for qualitative research
Module 13: Triangulation & Mixed Methods
- Apply concepts of mixed methods research and triangulation to everyday practice
- Evaluate mixed methods and triangulation approaches
Module 14: Data Visualization
- Analyze how ethical behavior is essential for the conduct of science
- Recognize key components of data visualization for research and information purposes
- Design a research project
- Communicate (anticipated) research results
Module 15: Final Research Project Presentation & Discussion
Policies and Procedures
Please be aware of the following linked policies and procedures. Note that in individual courses instructors will have stipulations specific to their course.