BA 762 Research Methodology

Place and Time

• Term: Fall 2024 

• Credit hours: 3

• Meeting days/time/location: Thursdays, 10-:12:30, BE 323J

• Modality: in-person

Instructor Information

• Name: Steve Borgatti

• Email: sborgatti@uky.edu

• Office building and room number: BE 323W

• Office phone: 257-2257

• Office hours: by appt. please arrange by email. 

Course Description

An introduction to social science research methods. The course covers traditional concepts of research methodology, including validity, reliability, causality, research design, etc. In addition, we cover specific methods, such as factor analysis and regression. We also cover various research activities such as collecting data, making hypotheses, developing theory, and so on. 

Note that there is a difference between a research methods class and statistics class. The methods class is much broader and includes statistics as only a small portion. However, we will cover regression in some detail, as it is essential for understanding most empirical social science research.

The course is hands-on, so bring your laptop. 

From course catalog: Examines fundamental concepts in design, control, and measurement for social science research with emphasis on: reliability, internal and external validity, and causality.

Course Modality

This is an in-person course. If you have to miss a given class for a conference or illness, I can arrange to tape it on Zoom. 

Course Prerequisites

None.

Required Materials

Readings consist of published articles and online handouts.

We will be using SPSS and AMOS for statistical analysis (visit https://download.uky.edu/software.php to download). Also, Excel, and occasionally, Ucinet. 

Associated Expenses

No additional expenses.=

Activities Outside of Regular Class Meetings

None.

Skill and Technology Requirements 

For technical assistance, contact ITS Customer Services 24/7 at 859-218-HELP (4357) for urgent needs. For non-urgent matters, visit the ITS web page at https://its.uky.edu/ or submit a: Customer Services Assistance Request form.

Student Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Evaluate published research

2. Do basic data analysis, both exploratory and hypothesis-testing

3. Make basic choices with respect to research design and statistical analysis

Course Details

Tentative Course Schedule

This is a preliminary schedule. For the fully up to date schedule, see the schedule page online: 

https://sites.google.com/site/ba762researchmethods/schedule-2024 

29-Aug          Introduction
05-Sep           Design
12-Sep           Theory
19-Sep           Models
26-Sep           Data
3-Oct             Correlation
10-Oct           EDA
17-Oct           Regression
24-Oct           Mediation
31-Oct           Moderation
7-Nov            Regression +
14-Nov          Scales
21-Nov          Surveys
21-Nov          Thanksgiving < no class >
05-Dec          Text
12-Dec          < final exam due >

Course Activities, Assignments, Exams

Class participation: 30% of grade (includes homework assignments)

Final exam: 70% of grade

Grading Scale

Grading scale is standard for graduate students

90 ≤ 100%    A

80 <  90%     B

70 <  80%     C

      <  70%     E

Midterm Grades 

NA

Attendance Policy/Acceptable Documentation

Students should attend all classes. If there is a problem -- such as illness -- please discuss with the professor.

University guidelines:

https://provost.uky.edu/proposals/guidance-course-proposals/standard-academic-policy-statements

Assignment Policies

Assignment Submissions

Written assignments should be submitted to the professor via email (sborgatti@uky.edu). 

Returning Assignments to Students

An answer key for the final exam will be provided after the exams are graded. Students who want to discuss their exams with the professor can request a meeting. 

Late Assignments

Lateness on the final exam will likely result in an Incomplete to allow time for grading. Late homework assignments will not be graded as they will be discussed in class.

Assignments Due during Prep Week 

None.

Academic Policy Statements

A full list of UK academic policies is available at https://provost.uky.edu/proposals/guidance-course-proposals/standard-academic-policy-statements .

Academic Offenses (Cheating, Plagiarism, and Falsification or Misuse of Academic Records)

UK policies on academic offenses are available at 

https://provost.uky.edu/proposals/guidance-course-proposals/academic-offenses

For a thorough description of “plagiarism,” see https://ombud.uky.edu/students/what-plagiarism

For a thorough description of “cheating,” see https://ombud.uky.edu/students/what-cheating 

Resources

The university offers a variety of resources available to students. Visit the Office of Student Success to access the full list.

Classroom Emergency Preparedness and Response 

Please see the following link for information related to emergency reporting and action: https://provost.uky.edu/curriculumproposals/syllabus-information