Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - GERO 301 D100

Research Methods in Gerontology (3)

Class Number: 9451

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 14, 2019
    Sat, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course examines research methodology applied to the field of gerontology. Key areas covered include: operationalizing gerontological concepts; sampling older populations; longitudinal designs; outcome and process evaluation of seniors' programs; and elementary data analyses.

COURSE DETAILS:

The aim of this course is to develop skills that will be used in both your academic and professional careers. This includes the ability to differentiate between evidence-based and “alternative” facts, understanding how research is reported, and how to design and conduct studies in the real-world. The course addresses key aspects of applied research, i.e. quantitative and qualitative approaches, operationalization of variables, research designs, ethical issues, and working with older adults participants. Whilst this is not a statistics course, descriptive and inferential statistics are introduced to aid in the interpretation of published studies and media reports..

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the semester, students will have the capacity to:
· Describe and define components of the research process
· Differentiate between key techniques for conducting research with older adults
· Assess the appropriateness of different methods for answering different research questions

Grading

  • Participation & Leading Discussions 10%
  • Mid Term 25%
  • Final Exam 35%
  • Research Paper Critique 25%
  • In-Class Presentation 5%

REQUIREMENTS:

Participation in class activities, e.g. group discussion, will count towards the class participation grade. Students will be expected to present in front of the class at various points in the course. Readings assigned for each lecture will be integral to understanding the course material and should be read before class. Late assignments will not be accepted, save for extremely extenuating circumstances (as assessed by the instructor). All materials presented in any media in class or via Canvas are eligible to be included in the examinations. NB: Aspects of this syllabus are subject to change at the instructor’s discretion.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The textbook for this course is Jhangiani RS, Chiang IA, Price PC (2017) Research Methods in Psychology - 2nd Canadian Edition [Online]. BCcampus: Available for FREE at: https://open.bccampus.ca/find-open-textbooks/?uuid=b58ffd04-ca71-4365-95e1-916f2105bd55&contributor=&keyword=&subject

Additional materials will be posted on Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS