Research methods and ethics of research in the social sciences, focusing on the information professions and learning technologies.
This course completely changed the way I approach research, especially in the field of learning technologies. Before, research felt abstract and intimidating, but this class broke it down into clear, structured steps. I gained a solid understanding of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research, primarily through Cresswell’s framework. Learning how to properly collect and analyze data while minimizing bias gave me a new appreciation for the importance of research in instructional design. The emphasis on ethics, particularly through earning my IRB certification, reinforced how critical it is to conduct research responsibly and with integrity. Another major takeaway was learning how theory connects to research methods, which has made me more intentional in how I evaluate learning programs and training effectiveness.
One of the most valuable experiences in this course was writing my own research proposal on The Impact of Remote Training Technologies on Digital Marketing Employee Engagement and Skill Transfer. This process helped me refine my academic writing skills, conduct a thorough literature review, and properly structure a research study. Learning how to cite sources correctly and present findings in a formal, academic manner was a skill I hadn’t fully developed before. The proposal also made me think more critically about how research applies to real-world learning and development, especially in corporate settings. Now, I feel much more confident in reading, interpreting, and applying research to improve instructional design and training programs. This course gave me the tools to think more critically and strategically about data-driven decision-making in L&D.