HRL 320 - Research Methods in the Workplace (3 Credits)

Pre/Co Requisites: None
Undertaking applied workplace-based research presents a unique set of challenges and possibilities to advance employee and organizational goals. This course provides an overview of and detailed guidelines for using social science and organizational research methods to investigate a range of human relations issues in the workplace as a basis to formulate evidence-based recommendations to address them. Students will gain hands-on experience developing and using qualitative and quantitative research tools including: observations, interviews, surveys, focus groups, action and evaluation research and documentation review. Emphasis will be on helping students a) sharpen analytical thinking skills to astutely diagnose and frame researchable problems in the workplace, b) plan steps to investigate workplace problems by identifying and working through obstacles and challenges to carrying out an empirical research project, c) select tools, inquiry focus, and craft pertinent questions to yield useful information to address workplace issues, d) collect, compile, analyze, and interpret data, and e) make effective and audience appropriate presentations of research findings to promote human relations and organizational success.