The format and topics covered in a research methods course can vary depending on the department that offers the course.
A research methods course can be challenging if you are unfamiliar with graduate level scholarly work. Exactly how challenging it is depends on the level of the course, its prerequisites, and your experience with scientific research. With preparation and study these courses are manageable, and the course itself provides important information and experience for your graduate program.
Reading Scientific Research
Understanding scientific literature is challenging for those who have not read scientific research articles before. However, most universities provide access to databases like ERIC, Academic Premier, and Lexis Nexis. Use these resources to find scientific articles about topics you are interested in. Read the articles carefully, taking notes and summarizing the article and the findings in your own words. You can do this before taking the research methods course so you are better prepared when the course begins.
Finding Scientific Research
A graduate research methods course will often require you to review the literature on a given topic. There will usually be databases you can search for keywords pertaining to your topic. However, searching these databases is rarely enough to qualify as thorough research. Pay attention to the studies cited in the article as you read it. Look up and read articles in the works cited or references section. This is a great way to trace the history of the literature on your topic. Many times you will find articles and books you would not otherwise have discovered.
Quantitative Statistics
Studying and understanding quantitative statistics can be challenging. Exactly how challenging statistics are depends on whether you are learning the statistics from a practical or theoretical perspective, what class of statistics you are studying -- for example, univariate, multivariate, or non-parametric -- and the resources available, such as software programs. It is a good idea to consult with the teacher before the class starts to get an idea of what will be covered in the course. Books on statistics can be difficult to understand, but there are tutorials online that can give you a start.
Research Design
There are many ways to construct a study. There are different sampling methods, group construction designs and types of analysis you can conduct. Focus on the designs you are most likely to use in your field. Remember that as a graduate researcher, you will likely be working with other students, or even faculty, when conducting an actual research study. You can use your combined knowledge to help construct your research design. A good place to start is by studying the designs used by other researchers in published articles. Note how studies were put together as you are conducting your review of the literature and learning to read scientific articles. Look at the sampling techniques, the variables measured, the construction of the groups and how data was analyzed.
Designing a Mock Study
It is not unusual for students to have to design a mock study in a graduate level research methods course. One example of such a project is to design the entire study up to the point just before data collection begins. This means you have to write the introduction, statement of the problem, identify the hypothesis or research questions, define your sampling technique and research design, and identify the analysis methods and tools you plan on using. This can be a challenging project if you are not used to this sort of work. However, it is an important step in your graduate career as reading, planning, and writing studies will be important. Additionally, a project like this sets you up very well for submitting it as an actual research plan and collecting real data.
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