Instructor:  Ramesh Bettagere, Ph. D., CCC-A/SLP                Office: Campbell Hall #118
Telephone:  (504) 549-2214      Fax: (504) 549-5030             E-mail: rbettagere@selu.edu
Class Meetings:  See Instructor/Semester Schedule
Office Hours:   Tuesday         11.00 - 12.00 PM and 2.00 - 5.00 PM
                        Wednesday       11.00 - 12.00 PM and 2.00 - 5.00 PM
                        Thursday        2.00 - 4.00 PM

Purpose/Description:
        A study of the principles, procedures, types, and techniques of
research including examples drawn from scientific investigations in speech
pathology, audiology, and related fields will be discussed.  Emphasis will
be placed on practical applications for clinical and nonclinical
practitioners.

Objectives:
        Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
a) identify types of research design and the relationship of the research
question to research design.
b) critically evaluate research literature to appropriateness of design,
methodology, and statistical
    procedures employed.
c) identify and discuss multicultural issues in research design.
d)  describe concepts of statistical measurement, analysis, and inference.
e) describe procedures involved in research from initial formulation of the
question to protocols for
    publication of results.
f)  identify and discuss ethical considerations in research.

Textbooks:
        Purchase-
                Pannbacker, M. H., & Middleton, G. F. (1994). Introduction
to clinical research in communication disorders. San Diego, CA:
Singular Publishing Group, Inc.
        Rental-
                Hegde, M. N. (1994).  Clinical research in communicative
disorders: principles and strategies. San Diego, CA: Singular
Publishing Group, Inc.
References:
                Agar, M.  (1986).  Speaking of ethnography.  London: Sage
Publications.
                American Psychological Association. (1994).  Publication
manual of the American Psychological Association (4th ed.).
Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
                Hinkle, D. E.,  Wiersma, W., & Jurs, S. G. (1982).  Basic
behavioral statistics.
                Jaeger, R.  (1990).  Statistics.  London: Sage Publications.
                Kerlinger, F. N. (1973).  Foundations of behavioral
research.  New York: Holt, Rinehart  & Winston.
                Liebert, R., & Liebert, L.  (1995).  Science and behavior:
An introduction to methods of psychological research.  Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
                Lincoln, Y., & Guba, E.  (1985).  Naturalistic inquiry.
London: Sage Publications.
                McReynolds, L., & Kearns, K.  (1983).  Single-subject
experimental designs in communicative disorders.  Baltimore:
University Park Press.
                Popham, W. J., & Sirotnik, K. A.  (1992).  Understanding
statistics in education. Itasca. IL: F. E. Peacock Publishers.
                Psathas, G.  (1995).  Conversation analysis.   London: Sage
Publications.
                Silverman, F.  (1993).  Research design and evaluation in
speech-language pathology.  Englewood cliffs, NJ:
Prentice-Hall.
                Spradley, J.  (1980).  Participant observation.  Orlando,
FL: Holt, Rinehart  & Winston.
                Strauss, A., & Corbin, J.  (1990).  Basics of qualitative
research.  London: Sage Publications.

Tentative Course Sequence:
        The following is the sequence of topics in this course.  The timing
of the course sequence is often influenced by class discussion and
participation.  This sequence may be altered as the course progresses:
        Week 1
        Introduction
        Week 2
        Communication Disorders and the Role of Research
        Week 3
        Ethics and Scientific Research
        Overview of the Research Process
        Week 4
        Types of Research
        Week 5
        Research Strategy and Design
        Assignment 1: Critical Evaluation of a Research Article
        Week 6
        Research Planning
        Review for Mid-term Exam
        Week 7
        Mid-term Exam
        Week 8
        Review of Mid-term Exam
        Organization and Analysis of Research Data
        Week 9
        Statistical Procedures
        Week 10
        Statistical Procedures (Contd.)
        Week 11
        Utilization of Communication Disorders Research
        Week 12
        Reporting Results of Research
        Week 13
        Research Grants
        Week 14
        Assignment 2: Research Project Presentation
        Week 15
        Assignment 2: Research Project Presentation (Contd.)
        Review for the Final Exam

Exams and Requirements:
        There will be a total of two exams.  The mid-term exam will be held
on ....  The final exam will be held on ....  The mid-term exam will account for 75 points.
The final exam will account for 100 points. The final Exam will be
cumulative.  If there is a change in the scheduling of an exam, it will be
announced by the instructor well in advance.
        In addition to the above, there will be two assignments which will
account for 100 points.  They are designed to provide students with an
opportunity to apply material discussed in the course.
Assignment 1: Critical evaluation of a research article.  It  will be worth
25 points.  It will be due on ...
Assignment 2: Preparation & Presentation of a research project.   It will
be worth 100 points.   Students will write and present a research project
to the class on a designated topic.  The paper is to be typed in APA form
and be letter perfect.  Students are to select a topic by no later than...
The paper will be due on ...
The paper presentations will be scheduled on two days ...and ...
 There may be some changes in the assignments.
        This is a professional level course, and as a result, professional
behavior is expected.  Students are expected to be on time for class, and
assignments are to be turned in on time.  Assignment turned in late will be
lowered by 25% of the total points designated for that particular
assignment.  Students are responsible for all materials, assignments, etc.
presented in the class by the instructor.  If you miss a class it is your
responsibility to make up for that class missed.

Grading:
        Final Class Grades will be determined by the number of points
obtained out of the possible 300 points.
        Grading Scale - 93-100 = A
                                85-92   = B
                                77-84   = C
                                66-76   = D
                                <65      = F

Pass/Fail Information:
        Graduate students have the option of registering on a pass/fail
basis for courses not included in their degree plan.  Courses on a
pass/fail basis may not be used for degree credit at SLU.  For credit
courses, a grade of P will be assigned only if the work is of at least C
quality.

Professional Standards:
        Students are expected to maintain professional standards of
behavior at all times when fulfilling course requirements.  Free
discussion, inquiry, and expression is encouraged in this class.  Classroom
behavior that interferes with either (a) the instructor's ability to
conduct the class or (b) the ability of students to benefit from the
instruction is not acceptable.  Examples may include routinely entering
class late or departing early; use of beepers/cellular phones, or other
electronic devices; repeatedly talking in class without being recognized;
talking while others are speaking; or arguing in a way that is perceived as
"crossing the civility line".  In the event of a situation where a student
legitimately needs to carry a beeper/cellular phone to class, prior notice
and approval of the instructor is required.
        Students must demonstrate proficiency in written composition as
written communication skills are basic to professional
communication/activities.  The written component of
examinations/assignments will be graded on correctness of usage, word
choice, spelling, punctuation, organization, neatness, as well as content.
        Students must follow the rules of the Publication Manual of the
American Psychological Association (APA), 4th edition, for any formal
written research project/assignment.
        Students should consult the current catalogue for information
regarding the last day to drop or resign from the university without grade
penalty.  Students are responsible for completing required forms when they
find it necessary to discontinue university work prior to the end of the
semester.
       Tape recording of the lectures/class presentations is not permitted
unless prior permission to do so is taken from the instructor.
        Students will not be given make-up exams without a valid written
excuse for the absence.  If a student is too sick and unable to take an
exam,  she/he should bring a note from her/his physician which can be
verified by the instructor.  Without such a valid written note there can be
no excused absences from an exam.  Any student who is excused from an exam
will be able to take a make-up exam until the time the original test is
returned to the entire class.  Once a test has been returned, make-ups are
no longer possible.  In such situations, alternate arrangements will be
made on a case by case basis.  The make-up exam will be in the form of oral
exams.
        If you are a qualified student with a disability seeking
accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are required
to self-identify with the Office of Student Life, Room 202, Student Union.