Graduate School
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Information
DSRT839 – M40 Advanced Research Methods
Fall 2020 Full Term
Course Format: Hybrid
CRN: 10150
Class Time and Location: F 08:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Instructor Information
Name: Jessica Schwartz
Email: jessica.schwartz@ucumberlands.edu
Phone: 8005551234
Office Location: online only
Office Hours/Preferred Contact Times: as requested
Course Description
The course is designed to provide doctoral students with an in-depth analysis of the
methods and procedures of research used in the various subfields of education. Topics
include conceptualizing research designs, writing research proposals, constructing
measurement instruments, collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data,
and drawing inferences. Special attention is given to making sound decisions regarding
the selection of appropriate designs and methods for investigating research questions.
The student will develop a proposal that will, upon approval of the student’s advisor and
program director, serve as the first three chapters of student’s dissertation.
Prerequisites: DSRT 734, 837 and 736.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course:
Students will write a rationale and introduction for a dissertation proposal which
must be based on a topic or problem related to business, information
technology, education, or leadership.
Students will construct a substantial literature review on a topic or problem
related to business, information technology, education, or leadership.
Students will design and write an appropriate methods chapter for a dissertation
proposal.
Students will successfully obtain approval from the course instructor and his/her
advisor for a three-chapter dissertation proposal.
Students will prepare a letter for the Institutional Research Board as well as a
Letter of Consent.
Learner Outcomes
Complete Dissertation Manual Chapter 1 (Introduction)
Complete Dissertation Manual Chapter 3 (Methodology)
Pass COMPS exam
Start IRB review process
Course Website
Access to the course website is required via the iLearn portal on the University of the
Cumberlands website: http://www.ucumberlands.edu/ilearn/
or https://ucumberlands.blackboard.com/
Required Books and Resources
Title: Writing a Successful Thesis Or Dissertation
ISBN: 9781412942256
Authors: Fred C. Lunenburg, Beverly J. Irby
Publisher: Corwin Press
Publication Date: 2008 – Affordable Custom Essay Writing Service | Write My Essay from Pro Writers-01-01
Title: Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association
ISBN: 9781433832178
Authors: American Psychological Association
Publisher: American Psychological Association (Ace homework tutors – APA)
Publication Date: 2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers-10-01
Title: Exploring Statistics
ISBN: 9780996339223
Authors: Chris Spatz
Publication Date: 2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers-01-01
Course Required text can be found and purchased via the UC Barnes and Noble
Bookstore: https://cumber.bncollege.com/shop/cumberlands/page/find-textbooks
Requirements and Policies
Academic Integrity/Plagiarism
At a Christian liberal arts university committed to the pursuit of truth and
understanding, any act of academic dishonesty is especially distressing and cannot be
tolerated. In general, academic dishonesty involves the abuse and misuse of
information or people to gain an undeserved academic advantage or evaluation. The
common forms of academic dishonesty include:
Cheating – using deception in the taking of tests or the preparation of written
work, using unauthorized materials, copying another person’s work with or without
consent, or assisting another in such activities.
Lying – falsifying, fabricating, or forging information in either written, spoken, or
video presentations.
Plagiarism—using the published writings, data, interpretations, or ideas of another
without proper documentation
Plagiarism includes copying and pasting material from the internet into
assignments without properly citing the source of the material.
Episodes of academic dishonesty are reported to the Vice President for Academic
Affairs. The potential penalty for academic dishonesty includes a failing grade on a
particular assignment, a failing grade for the entire course, or charges against the
student with the appropriate disciplinary body.
Participation Policy
Study after study has linked successful academic performance with good class
participation. Those who assume positions of responsibility must “show up” in
order to be effective. Therefore, students are expected to actively participate in an
intelligent discussion of assigned topics in all areas (Online assignment help tutors – Discussion Board Activities,
Synchronous Sessions, Forums, Shared Papers, etc.) to help process course
material and/or to demonstrate an understanding of course content. Point
adjustments will be taken for non-participation.
Disability Accommodations
University of the Cumberlands accepts students with certified disabilities and provides
reasonable accommodations for their certified needs in the classroom, in housing, in
food service or in other areas. For accommodations to be awarded, a student must
submit a completed Accommodations Application form and provide documentation of
the disability to the Disability Services Coordinator (Mr. Jacob Ratliff, Boswell Campus
Center, Student Services Office Suite, jacob.ratliff@ucumberlands.edu). When all
paperwork is on file, a meeting between the student and the Coordinator will be
arranged to discuss possible accommodations before accommodations are formally
approved. Students must then meet with the Coordinator at the beginning of each
semester before any academic accommodations can be certified for that term.
Certifications for other accommodations are normally reviewed annually.
Academic Appeal
Both undergraduate and graduate students have the right to challenge a grade. If
discussions with the course instructor and department chair do not lead to a satisfactory
conclusion, students may file a formal written appeal with the Vice President for
Academic Affairs, who will forward the appeal to the chair of the Academic Appeals
Committee. This formal written appeal must be filed by the end of the 4th week of
classes in the next regular term following the term in which the course in question was
taken. The Academic Appeals Committee then gathers information from the student, the
instructor, and any other relevant parties. The Committee will deliver its
recommendation on the complaint to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. After
reviewing this recommendation and concurring or amending it, the Vice President for
Academic Affairs will inform the student and instructor of the disposition of the
complaint no later than the last day of classes of the term in which the complaint was
filed. Records of all actions regarding academic grade appeals, including their final
disposition, are maintained by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Academic
Appeals Committee. (Undergraduate Catalog/Graduate Catalog)
Student Responsibilities
Students should:
Use University of the Cumberlands email system for all academic, administrative,
and co-curricular communication between faculty, staff and peers.
Check for email and class announcements using iLearn (primary) and University of
the Cumberlands webmail (secondary) daily.
Demonstrate Cumberlands Character in and outside the classroom per the
University Mission & Vision
Ensure you have consistent required technology for the course
Participate in courses regularly to:
Find announcements and updates
Complete assignments on time. Keep in mind that all deadlines use Eastern
Standard Time (EST).
Engage in discussion
Connect with fellow students and faculty
Present written work in an academic and professional manner.
Take examinations on the designated dates and times. Students should make
arrangements with faculty before the designated date for any needed
accommodations.
Contact faculty or student success coordinator with questions or concerns.
Course Policies
The only authorized electronic means of academic, administrative, and cocurricular communication between University of the Cumberlands and its
students is through the UCumberlands email system (i.e. Webmail). Each
student is responsible for monitoring his/her University email account
frequently. This is the primary email account used to correspond with you
directly by the University; imperative program information is sent to this
email account specifically from campus and program office.
Students should check for e-mail and class announcements using iLearn
(primary) and University of the Cumberlands webmail (secondary).
Students are expected to find out class assignments for missed classes and
make up missed work.
Students are expected to find out if any changes have been made in the
class or assignment schedule.
All assignments, unless otherwise instructed, should be submitted in Ace homework tutors – APA
format.
Written work must be presented in a professional manner. Work that is not
submitted in a professional manner will not be evaluated and will be
returned as unacceptable.
There is a craft to writing. Spelling, grammar, punctuation, and diction (word
usage) are all tools of that craft. Writing at the collegiate level will show
careful attention to these elements of craft. Work that does not exhibit care
with regard to these elements will be considered as inadequate for college
writing and graded accordingly.
Students are expected to take the examinations on the designated dates. If
you are unable to take the exam on the scheduled date and know in
advance, you are to make arrangements with your professor before the
designated date. If you miss the exam, you must have a legitimate reason as
determined by your professor.
Recognizing that a large part of professional life is meeting deadlines, it is
necessary to develop time management and organizational skills. Failure to meet
the course deadlines may result in penalties. Keep in mind that all deadlines are
set using Eastern Standard Time (EST). Late assignments will NOT be
accepted.
Course Activities and Experiences
Chapter 1 – Residency Activity worth 60%
Chapter 3 – to be completed in 2nd half of the course
COMPS exam – this is a pass/fail activity done outside of this course but must be
completed in order to move to DSRT930 in January 2021
IRB Approval – we will work on this together at the end of DSRT839
Residency Activities (60% of the grade – which will be a completion of chapter 1)
Links to Support
UC Academic Catalog: https://www.ucumberlands.edu/academics/academic-catalog
UC Student Handbook: https://www.ucumberlands.edu/student-handbook
Academic Resources & Writing Center: www.ucumberlands.edu/learningcommons
Library: http://www.ucumberlands.edu/library/
Bookstore: https://cumber.bncollege.com/shop/cumberlands/home
About University of the Cumberlands:
https://www.ucumberlands.edu/about/presidents-welcome
Course Evaluation
You must complete chapter 1 worth 60% for residency weekend. Chapter 3 must also be
completed by the end of the term in order to pass the course. There will be other
activities to complete as well to gauge your understanding of the concepts needed to
complete chapters 1 and 3. See course schedule for more information.
Additionally, you must pass COMPS to complete this course. COMPS is scheduled and
graded separately from DSRT839.
Grading Scale
A: 90% – 100%
B: 80% – 89%
C: 70% – 79%
F: 69% or Below
Course Schedule
Week Weekly Topic Reading Assignment Due**
#1 Research Approach Ch. 1 Introductions
Week 1 Online assignment help tutors – Discussion
#2 Review of Literature
*Schedule COMPS exam!
Ch 2 Week 2 Online assignment help tutors – Discussion
#3 Theory, Writing Strategies and
Ethical Consideration
Ch. 3 Homework Assignment 1:
Chapter 1 outline
#4 Theory, Writing Strategies and
Ethical Consideration
Ch 4 Week 4 Online assignment help tutors – Discussion
#5 The Introduction Ch. 5 Get ready for residency and
continue working on
chapter 1
#6 The Purpose Statement
**RESIDENCY** Ch. 6
Homework Assignment 2:
Chapter 1 Draft
#7 Research
Questions and Hypotheses
Ch. 7 Week 7 Online assignment help tutors – Discussion
#8 Research
Questions and Hypotheses
Ch. 7 Week 8 Online assignment help tutors – Discussion
#9 Quantitative Design Procedures Ch. 8
Chapter 1 Final Submission
#10 Qualitative Design Procedures Ch. 9 Week 10 Online assignment help tutors – Discussion
#11 Qualitative vs Quantitative Homework Assignment 4:
Methodology Outline
(Chapter 3)
#12 Mixed Methods Procedures Ch. 10 Week 12 Online assignment help tutors – Discussion
#13 Chapter 3 Homework Assignment 5:
Methodology Draft (Chapter
3)
#14 Review Feedback Review Feedback/work on
Chapter 3 updates
#15 Course Review Chapter 3 Final Submission
#16 Final Submission Also work on
IRB approval
Chapters 1-3 Submitted
together
Syllabus Disclaimer
This syllabus contains important information critical to your success in this course. It
includes guidelines for this course and the instructor’s current expectations about
content, schedule, and requirements necessary for each student to achieve the best
educational results. While you must review and become familiar with the contents of
this syllabus, the instructor reserves the right to make adjustments or change in the
syllabus from time to time. Any changes to the syllabus will be discussed with the
students.

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