THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Education
MHS 5710 Research and Human Services
(3 Credits)
Course Objectives
This course has these broad goals. To:
1. Introduce the student to traditional kinds of research which are commonly conducted in counseling, human service systems, school psychology, and rehabilitation programs.
2. Provide the student with skills so that they can better critique published research.
3. Provide understandings and skills so that the student will be a better consumer and applier of research findings.
4. Introduce the student to several more commonly used models of program evaluation.
5. Acquaint the student with some guidelines for grantsmanship.
Topical Course Outline (not to be followed rigidly):
Accountability -- What’s it all about?
Information Retrieval Systems -- Research Journals
How to Critique a Research Report
TRM (traditional research models)
Differences between TRM and evaluation models
Empirical Case Study/Intensive Case Study Design
Program Evaluation Models:
Traditional Model; CIPP Model; Empirical/Intensive Case Study Approaches;
Burck-Peterson Model
Other topics to be discussed:
Research Issues; Values and Research; Politics and Research; Use of Subjective Data; Building Your Own Measurement; Cost Analysis/Cost Benefit; Ethics and Research
Required Textbook
Handbook in Research and Evaluation (Second or Third Edition), by Isaac and Michael.
Professor’s Expectations
To attend class and TO BE ON TIME! To read assignments before class and participate in class discussion. To get involved.
The attendance policy will be as follows:
Number of Absences Grade Effect
0 to 1 Up your grade one-half (i.e., B to A-)
2 to 4 No effect
5 to 6 Lower your grade one-half
7 or more Lower your grade one whole
(The instructor will make the class stimulating, challenging, relevant, and meaningful. Also, he will encourage and foster student knowledge and acquisition of skills as well as attitudes in this broad area.)
Grading Criteria
Student grades. These will be assigned according to the FSU catalog. Pluses and minuses will be used. The final grade will be a composite of punctuality and attendance (note the Attendance Policy set forth above and its effect on your grade). Quality of inside and outside assignments, exams, and instructor’s subjective evaluation.
Instructor’s grade. This will be determined through the established SIRS procedure and the usual, highly effective "gossip system" among students.
Types of Assessment Measures
There will be several outside assignments which will be given to you from time to time. You will always have ample time to complete these. The student is held responsible for ensuring that work gets done and handed in ON TIME.
The first exam will be a critique of an article. The second exam will cover class lectures/discussions and outside readings. The third exam (on the last day of class) will be decided on at a later date.
Students with any type of disability that may interfere with learning in this class should negotiate a reasonable accommodation with the instructor early in the semester.
Supplemental Readings
A list of required readings will be adopted as the class progresses. This will depend on students’ needs and goals.
For your convenience, a Schedule of Classes is attached.
HB/bw/MHS-5710.doc/Fac3/Sp96