1. Research as a Way of Knowing
    Theories of research strategy
    Public sector applications

2. Stating the Research Question
    Problem definition
    Review of relevant literature
    Models and model construction
    Linking Variables with Hypotheses
    Computer-based searching for information

3. Measurement and operationalization
    Selection and definition of variables
    Conceptual Definitions
    Operational Definitions
    Measurement reliability
    Measurement validity

4. Research design
    Experimental Designs
    Control Group (Pre-test/Post-test)
    Post-Test only (Control Group)
    Threats to Internal Validity
    Threats to External Validity
    Quasi-Experimental Designs
    Comparison Group Design
    Interrupted Time Series Design
    Interrupted Time Series with Comparison Group
    Pre-experimental Designs
    Cross-Sectional Design
    Longitudinal Designs
    Panel Design
    Case Study Design

5. Sampling
    Sampling theory
    Probability Sampling
    Simple Random Sampling
    Systematic Random Sampling
    Stratified Random Sampling
    Cluster Sampling
    Non-probability sampling
    Sample size determination

6. Ethical considerations
    Ethical Purposes of Research
    Ethical Treatment of Subjects
    Peer Review Controls
    Issues for Administrators

7. Data Collection Instruments
    Questionnaire creation
    Standardized Tests
    Interview Schedules
    Forms for Observation
    Using computers as data collection instruments

8. Data Collection Strategies
    Secondary Data Collection
    In-person Surveys
    Mail surveys
    Telephone surveys
    In-person interviews
    Focus group interviews
    Participant Observation
    Field research
    Using computers to collect data

9. Data Management
    Data dictionary or code book
    Data Coding
    Data Entry
    Computer-based data management

10. Statistical data analysis
    Preliminary Data Analysis
            Grouped Data
            Frequency Distribution
            Cumulative Distributions
            Percentage Distributions
            Graphs
            Rates and Ratios
    Univariate Statistics
            Normal Curve
            Measures of Central Tendency
                Mode
                Median
                Mean
            Measures of Dispersion
                Range
                Percentiles
                Standard Deviation
                Variance
                Skew
    Computer-based statistical data analysis

11. Measures of Association
    Bivariate Measures
        Contingency Tables
        Control Variables
        Control Tables
    Nominal Measures of Association
    Ordinal Measures of Association
    Interval/Ratio Measures of Association
    Simple (Bi-Variate) Linear Regression
    Correlation
    Scatterplots
    Steps in Linear Regression
    Assumptions of Linear Regression

11. Hypothesis Testing
    Steps in Testing for Statistical Significance
    Chi Square
    T-Test
    Multiple Regression
    Steps in Multiple Regression
    Assumptions of Multiple Regression
    Standardized Regression

12. Research results reporting and presentation
    Audience
    Oral Presentation
    Written Reports
    Charts and Tables
    Ethical Concerns
    Data Storage