Research (RSCH) Courses

RSCH2050 Workshop in Acquiring Social Research Skills

This course explores the concepts, steps and skills required for analyzing and conducting research grounded in the scientific method. The emphasis of this course is on acquiring research skills through practice-based learning. Students attain an understanding of the roles and approaches that distinguish quantitative and qualitative research methods. Students learn how to plan and write a research project prospectus and how to select and interpret data. Students acquire a working understanding of the analytical approaches necessary for evaluating the validity and credibility of primary and secondary research, learning also to use and interpret statistics in specific applied contexts. Students explore current professional ethical norms and practices in research. Students gain appreciation for understanding how research and society are vitally linked, while grasping the importance of the role of public scrutiny in research.
Prerequisite(s): MATH2001 or MATH2010, PSYC1001 or SOC1001 or SOC2005, sophomore status.
Offered at Charlotte, Online, Providence
3 Semester Credits

RSCH3020 Honors Research Methods

This course prepares honors students to conduct the necessary research to successfully complete the honors thesis requirements for graduation from the Honors Program. Students evaluate a variety of research methods, engage in exercises in working with primary and secondary sources, and review appropriate documentation forms. The professor guides students in their choice of feasible research projects and serves as the major adviser during the development of an honors thesis prospectus. Students complete the honors thesis in RSCH4020 Honors Directed Academic Experience.
Prerequisite(s): ENG1024 or English placement, junior status, honors status, 3.6 cumulative GPA.
Offered at Charlotte, Providence
3 Semester Credits

RSCH3810 Undergraduate Laboratory and Field Research

This course requires students to investigate a problem or question through a laboratory and/or field research study. Students develop skills essential for becoming an active member of the research community and workforce, such as scientific literacy, experimental design, modern research techniques, data collection and analysis, and oral and written communication.
Prerequisite(s): Minimum 57 earned credits and permission of instructor.
Offered at Charlotte, Online, Providence
3-6 Semester Credits

RSCH3830 Undergraduate Research Experience

Under the supervision of a faculty mentor, students actively engage in all facets of an original research project. Original quantitative or qualitative research projects are permitted, depending on faculty availability. Research projects facilitate the development of critical skills in the field of interest and promote current and future professional development for the student.
Prerequisite(s): Minimum 57 earned credits and permission of instructor.
Offered at Charlotte, Online, Providence
3-6 Semester Credits

RSCH4020 Honors Directed Academic Experience

The Honors Directed Academic Experience offers honors students the opportunity to develop and complete a capstone project begun in the Honors Research Seminar (RSCH3020). This project is completed under the direct supervision of an individual faculty mentor appropriate to the specialized field of research or other work undertaken by the student. Though students submit portions of the project to the faculty mentor at regular intervals, students are expected to devote a substantial amount of time to research, writing and other appropriate forms of independent engagement with their chosen subject.
Prerequisite(s): RSCH3020, honors status.
Offered at Charlotte, Providence
3 Semester Credits

RSCH4050 Research Seminar in Psychology

This capstone course is designed to complete the major program of study by integrating the student’s prior academic experiences in psychology. A seminar format is used to encourage student participation and interaction with peers and faculty. Each participant chooses a topic within their area of interest. The topic is explored through individual research, periodic presentations and discussion. Discussion focuses on both substantive and methodological concerns as well as interconnections among areas of study.
Prerequisite(s): RSCH2050 or RSCH3020, senior status.
Offered at Charlotte, Online, Providence
3 Semester Credits