BAS 490: Introduction to Research Methods Master Syllabus
Credits: 3
Canvas/Online
*Dates and times in this course refer to Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Textbook Requirement
The following textbook is required for the course. You may rent or purchase an e-book or physical copy.
Devlin, A. S. (2020). The research experience: Planning conducting, and reporting research. (2nd Edition). Sage Publishing.
Paperback ISBN: 9781544377957
Course Description
Course Overview:
BAS 490 is the first course in a two-part sequence required for completion of the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree at GM. This course introduces students to the foundational principles of research methodology. Students will explore their individual research interests, formulate research questions, conduct literature reviews, and identify appropriate data collection methods. A key component of the course is the development of an Action Research Project (ARP) proposal on a selected topic.
The second course in the sequence, BAS 491: Applied Sciences Capstone, builds on this foundation. In BAS 491, students will implement the research project proposed in BAS 490, conduct data analysis, and report their findings.
BAS 490 Student Learning Objectives:
- Develop a foundational understanding of research methodologies.
- Apply research skills and knowledge to design a capstone Action Research Proposal.
- Present and obtain instructor approval for the ARP, which will then be enacted in BAS 491.
Course Format:
BAS 490 is delivered fully online/asynchronous. Students are responsible for engaging with all course materials, including assigned readings, lecture videos, and instructional notes. Course requirements include participation in discussions, completion of general assignments, quizzes, and exams, as well as development of the ARP project.
Consistent engagement and time management are critical to success. Students are expected to adhere to the course schedule and meet all deadlines and expectations outlined in the syllabus.
**As a general rule, the use of Generative AI will not be permitted for assignments and discussions. For assignments that include the use of generative AI, specific instructions will be given as to the manner of usage and documentation.
Grading and Assignments
Final grades are determined according to the following scale. Please, do not ask for extra credit or ask for your grade to be “reconsidered” at the end of the semester.
| A | B+ | B | C+ | C | D | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90-100% | 87-89.9% | 80-86.9% | 77-79.9% | 70-76.9% | 60-69.9% | <60% |
| 900-1000 points | 870- 899 points | 800- 869 points | 770- 799 points | 700- 769 points | 600- 699 points | < 600 points |
Final grades in the course will be determined based on student success of the following evaluations and assessments. Your grade is based on total points earned out of 1000 possible points.
- Action Research Project Proposal = 470 pts (47%)
- Perusall Assignments = 280 pts (28%)
- General Assignments & Quizzes = 160 pts (16%)
- Discussion = 80 pts (8%)
**A grade of C or higher in the course is required to advance to BAS 491.
Action Research Project Proposal (47%)
| ARP Proposal | 470 |
|---|---|
| Phase I | 130 |
| Phase II | 130 |
| Phase III | 130 |
| Phase IV | 80 |
The Capstone- the “Action Research Project (ARP)” will span across span two semesters, BAS 490 & 491. The ARP will be written in the form of an academic/research paper with the following sections: Title page, Abstract, Table of Contents, Introduction, Statement of Purpose, Literature Review, Methodology, Results, Discussion, and References. In BAS 490, work will focus only on the proposal, including the Introduction, Statement of Purpose, Literature Review, Methodology, and References sections. By the end of this semester, you will have written a full proposal for your chosen research topic/question and uploaded a short video that presents your proposal. This proposal will serve as the basis for the research you will conduct in BAS 491.
You will have four ARP deliverables for BAS 490 (see calendar for due dates):
- Phase I: Title Page, Introduction, Statement of Purpose, & Literature Sections with References: Specific information on content, template, and style/formatting are given in Week 5 of the course.
- Phase II: Methodology Section (with revised/corrected Phase 1 & References): Specific information on content, template, and style/formatting are given in Week 11 of the course.
- Presentation and Comments: Specific information on content, template, and style/formatting are given in Week 13 of the course.
- Phase III: Final Proposal (full Introduction, Statement of Purpose, Literature Review, and Methodology sections with References): Specific information on content, template, and style/formatting are given in Week 14 of the course.
Late submission of Phases I, II, and III will result in a deduction of 10% per calendar day. Presentation videos and comments will NOT be accepted late.
Perusall Assignments (28%)
| Perusall Assignments | 20 |
|---|---|
| Making the most of learning with Perusall | 20 |
| Perusall Week 1: The Scientific Approach | 20 |
| Perusall Week1: Reading Scholarly Articles | 20 |
| Perusall Week 2: The Research Process | 20 |
| Perusall Week 2: Academic Integrity, Ethics, & AI | 20 |
| Perusall Week 2: Research Ethics & Belmont Report | 20 |
| Perusall Week 6: Research Design | 20 |
| Perusall Week 6: Data Sources & Scales of Measurement | 20 |
| Perusall Week 7: Experimental & Quasi-Experimental Research | 20 |
| Perusall Week 8: Qualitative Research | 20 |
| Perusall Week 9: Survey Design & Delivery | 20 |
| Perusall Week 10: Descriptive & Quantitative Stats | 20 |
| Perusall Week 10: Qualitative Analysis | 20 |
| Perusall Week 12: Data Visualization | 20 |
This course will use Perusall as an interactive reading and annotation platform to support course engagement and collaborative learning. Throughout the semester, you will complete assigned readings within Perusall, where you will be expected to annotate texts, ask questions, respond to classmates, and participate in guided discussions directly within the course materials. Perusall is designed to promote active reading and deeper comprehension by encouraging students to engage critically with course content and with one another before class meetings. Participation in Perusall activities will contribute to the course grade, and you are expected to complete assignments by the posted deadlines.
Perusall will be accessed through the Canvas course. See instructions within Canvas about accessing and using Perusall.
General Assignments & Quizzes (16%)
| General Assignments | |
|---|---|
| Syllabus & Capstone Quiz | 20 |
| Scholarly Articles & APA Style- Quiz | 20 |
| Literature Search- Writing | 40 |
| Style Guide & Phase I Writing- Quiz | 15 |
| Create a Survey- Writing | 20 |
| Recruitment Flyer- Writing | 15 |
| Quant & Qual Analyses- Quiz | 15 |
| Assessment of an Undergraduate Capstone Project- Writing | 20 |
Several modules will consist of small assignments to help you apply and/or practice course content. Assignments will vary in the amount of time and effort required to complete them. They include small quizzes and written assignments.
Discussion (8%)
| Discussions | 80 |
|---|---|
| Welcome Discussion | 20 |
| Exploring Research Interests | 20 |
| Reviewing Previous Proposals | 20 |
| Reflect & Look Ahead | 20 |
Throughout the course, you will complete a few discussions related to course content. Please read this section carefully.
Posting Discussions
Discussion assignments will be posted in the Discussion Board section of the Canvas course. When a discussion is assigned, a new thread will appear containing the prompt. Students are expected to respond to the prompt and engage in thoughtful, respectful dialogue with their classmates. All discussion activity must align with the course Respect Policy.
Discussions are intended to simulate a virtual classroom environment where students can critically engage with course content and each other. The use of Generative AI is NOT permitted in Discussions.
- Initial Post: Students must respond directly to the discussion prompt with a well-developed post demonstrating thoughtful reflection and engagement with course material. While there is no strict word count, posts should aim for approximately 200 words to ensure sufficient depth. Initial posts are due by Friday at 11:59 PM of the assigned week. Note that Canvas is configured so you must submit your initial post before viewing others’ contributions. There will be a 10% point deduction for original posts received on Saturday or Sunday.
- Peer Responses: In addition to your original post, you are required to respond to at least two classmates by Sunday at 11:59 PM of the same week. While there is no official word count for replies, a minimum of approximately 100 words is recommended. Responses must demonstrate meaningful engagement—simple affirmations such as “Great point!” or “I agree” are insufficient and will not receive full credit. Where applicable, support your responses with references to course materials or external sources. Any posts received after the Sunday deadline will receive no points.
All posts and responses must be written in full sentences, using correct grammar and spelling. It is recommended that you compose your posts in a word processor to check for errors before submitting them to the discussion board.
Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. Copying text or ideas from any source without proper attribution constitutes an academic integrity violation. Suspected cases of plagiarism will be addressed in accordance with the university’s Academic Standards Policy. If you are unsure whether a citation is necessary, err on the side of caution and include one. This applies to both original posts and peer responses. Discussion posts may not be turned in late or made-up. Your peers are relying on you to do your part.
Course Format and Technology Requirements
This course is fully online, meaning there are no physically required face-to-face encounters. All learning materials will be available through Canvas. Please read through this section carefully as it details the technology requirements of the course. The schedule at the end of the syllabus will detail the week-to-week breakdown of the semester.
Hardware
You will need access to a Windows or Mac computer with 2 Ghz or faster processor, 100GB hard drive, at least 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended) and access to a fast and reliable broadband internet connection (e.g., cable, DSL). A larger screen is recommended for better visibility of course material. You will need speakers or headphones to listen to recorded content and a headset with a microphone is recommended for the best experience. For Hard Disk Space required taking a distance education course, consider and allow for:
- The storage amount needed to install any additional software and
- Space to store work that you will do for the course.
If you consider the purchase of a new computer, please go to ITS-Approved Computer Hardware Standards for Faculty & Staff to see recommendations.
Students owning Macs or Linux should be aware that some courses may use software that only runs on Windows.
Software
This course uses Canvas as the learning management system (LMS). You will need a browser and operating system that are listed compatible or certified with Canvas (See Canvas Browser & Computer Requirements). You will likely need plugins that will allow you to stream videos. You will also need PowerPoint and Acrobat reader. Your computer should be capable of running current versions of those applications.
Note: If you are using an employer-provided computer or corporate office for class attendance, please verify with your systems administrators that you will be able to install the necessary applications, and that system or corporate firewalls do not block access to any sites or media types.
You must check the course webpage frequently for course content, assignments, and discussions. Access to Canvas and GMU email are required to participate successfully in this course. Check the IT Support Center website. Navigate to ITS Canvas Student Help for help and information about Canvas. In the menu bar to the left you will find all the tools you need to become familiar with for this course. Take time to learn each. Make sure you run a system check a few days before class. https://its.gmu.edu/knowledge-base/canvas-student-help/
Course and Institution Policies
Course Policies
Class Continuity
Unless there is a significant disruption to Canvas, the course will proceed as scheduled. All assignments remain due as outlined in the syllabus unless explicitly changed by the instructor via official communication. University holidays and inclement weather do not impact the course schedule, given its online and asynchronous format.
Every effort will be made to follow the published course schedule and policies. However, the instructor reserves the right to make adjustments as necessary due to unforeseen circumstances. Any changes will be communicated promptly via Canvas and GM email.
Communication and Weekly Updates
Course updates and announcements will be communicated weekly through Canvas and GM email. Students are responsible for ensuring their GM email account is active and checked regularly. All email correspondence with the instructor must be conducted through your official GM account. For questions regarding course content, readings, or assignments, feel free to reach out via email.
Office Hours
Office hours are available by appointment. To schedule a meeting, please email the instructor to arrange a time for a virtual session via Microsoft Teams.
Respect and Conduct Policy
Students are encouraged to actively participate, ask questions, and express differing viewpoints. While respectful disagreement is welcome, all interactions must remain civil and considerate of others’ perspectives, values, and life experiences. Discriminatory, offensive, or hateful remarks will not be tolerated and may result in a significant grade penalty or other disciplinary action.
Course Withdrawal and Important Dates
Students are responsible for being aware of and adhering to add/drop deadlines and withdrawal dates. These are outlined in the course calendar and should be cross-referenced with the university’s official academic calendar for accuracy.
Academic Standards
Academic Standards exist to promote authentic scholarship, support the institution’s goal of maintaining high standards of academic excellence, and encourage continued ethical behavior of faculty and students to cultivate an educational community which values integrity and produces graduates who carry this commitment forward into professional practice.
As members of the George Mason University community, we are committed to fostering an environment of trust, respect, and scholarly excellence. Our academic standards are the foundation of this commitment, guiding our behavior and interactions within this academic community. The practices for implementing these standards adapt to modern practices, disciplinary contexts, and technological advancements. Our standards are embodied in our courses, policies, and scholarship, and are upheld in the following principles:
- Honesty: Providing accurate information in all academic endeavors, including communications, assignments, and examinations.
- Acknowledgement: Giving proper credit for all contributions to one’s work. This involves the use of accurate citations and references for any ideas, words, or materials created by others in the style appropriate to the discipline. It also includes acknowledging shared authorship in group projects, co-authored pieces, and project reports.
- Uniqueness of Work: Ensuring that all submitted work is the result of one’s own effort and is original, including free from self-plagiarism. This principle extends to written assignments, code, presentations, exams, and all other forms of academic work.
Violations of these standards—including but not limited to plagiarism, fabrication, and cheating—are taken seriously and will be addressed in accordance with university policies. The process for reporting, investigating, and adjudicating violations is outlined in the university’s procedures. Consequences of violations may include academic sanctions, disciplinary actions, and other measures necessary to uphold the integrity of our academic community.
The principles outlined in these academic standards reflect our collective commitment to upholding the highest standards of honesty, acknowledgement, and uniqueness of work. By adhering to these principles, we ensure the continued excellence and integrity of George Mason University’s academic community.
Student responsibility: Students are responsible for understanding how these general expectations regarding academic standards apply to each course, assignment, or exam they participate in; students should ask their instructor for clarification on any aspect that is not clear to them.
Students with Disabilities
Disability Services at George Mason University is committed to upholding the letter and spirit of the laws that ensure equal treatment of people with disabilities. Under the administration of University Life, Disability Services implements and coordinates reasonable accommodations and disability-related services that afford equal access to university programs and activities. Students can begin the registration process with Disability Services at any time during their enrollment at George Mason University. If you are seeking accommodations, please visit https://ds.gmu.edu/ for detailed information about the Disability Services registration process. Disability Services is located in Student Union Building I (SUB I), Suite 2500. Email: [email protected]. Phone: (703) 993-2474.
Student responsibility: Students are responsible for registering with Disability Services and communicating about their approved accommodations with their instructor in advance of any relevant class meeting, assignment, or exam.
FERPA and Use of GMU Email Addresses for Course Communication
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) governs the disclosure of education records for eligible students and is an essential aspect of any course. Students must use their GMU email account to receive important University information, including communications related to this class. Instructors will not respond to messages sent from or send messages regarding course content to a non-GMU email address.
Student responsibility: Students are responsible for checking their GMU email regularly for course-related information, and/or ensuring that GMU email messages are forwarded to an account they do check.
Title IX Resources and Required Reporting
As a part of George Mason University’s commitment to providing a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living, and working environment for all members of the University community, the University does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in any of its education or employment programs and activities. Accordingly, all non-confidential employees, including your faculty member, have a legal requirement to report to the Title IX Coordinator, all relevant details obtained directly or indirectly about any incident of Prohibited Conduct (such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based stalking, dating/domestic violence). Upon notifying the Title IX Coordinator of possible Prohibited Conduct, the Title IX Coordinator will assess the report and determine if outreach is required. If outreach is required, the individual the report is about (the “Complainant”) will receive a communication, likely in the form of an email, offering that person the option to meet with a representative of the Title IX office.
For more information about non-confidential employees, resources, and Prohibited Conduct, please see University Policy 1202: Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence. Questions regarding Title IX can be directed to the Title IX Coordinator via email to [email protected], by phone at 703-993-8730, or in person on the Fairfax campus in Aquia 373.
Student opportunity: If you prefer to speak to someone confidentially, please contact one of Mason’s confidential employees in Student Support and Advocacy (SSAC), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Student Health Services (SHS), and/or the Office of the University Ombudsperson.
Additional Resources
A variety of student services are available:
- *** Writing Center (http://writingcenter.gmu.edu/ )- Excellent Resource! Highly recommend!!
- Distance Education Services, University Libraries (http://library.gmu.edu/distance )
- Learning Services (https://learningservices.gmu.edu)
University Counseling Services
Life is stressful and we all need a little support sometimes. Students are encouraged to contact Counseling & Psychological Services (3129 Student Union Building I, http://caps.gmu.edu/) at 993-2380 or – Counseling and Psychological Services (gmu.edu) for assistance with any kind of psychological/life problem or crisis.
Course Calendar
The schedule below outlines the topics to be covered and the corresponding assignments for the semester. Students are expected to follow this schedule and complete all assignments by the designated deadlines. Timely submission and consistent engagement are essential for success in the course.
| Week | Topics | Due |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome Folder and Introducing Research & APA Style | (P) Making the Most of Learning with Perusall; (Q) Syllabus & Capstone Quiz; (D) Getting to Know Each Other (P) Perusall Week 1: The Scientific Approach; (P) Perusall Week 1: Reading Scholarly Articles; (Q) Scholarly Articles & APA Style |
| 2 | Conducting Research, Research Ethics, & Exploring Research Ideas | (P) Perusall Week 2: The Research Process; (P) Academic Integrity, Ethics, & AI; (P) Research Ethics & Belmont Report; (D) Exploring Research Interests |
| 3 | Conducting Literature Review | (G) Literature Search |
| 4 | ARP Capstone Proposal Template & Previous Proposals | (Q) Style Guide & Phase I Writing Quiz; (D) Reviewing Previous Proposals |
| 5 | ARP Capstone Paper- Phase I | (AR) Phase I: Introduction & Literature Review with References |
| 6 | Research Design | (P) Perusall Week 6: Research Design; (P) Perusall Week 6: Data Sources & Scales of Measurement |
| 7 | Experimental & Quasi-Experimental Research | (P) Experimental & Quasi-Experimental Research |
| 8 | Qualitative, Mixed Methods, & Non-Experimental Research | (P) Qualitative Research |
| 9 | Survey Research & Recruiting Participants | (P) Survey Design & Delivery; (G) Create a Survey; (G) Recruitment Flyer |
| 10 | Data Analysis- Quantitative & Qualitative | (P) Perusall Week 10: Descriptive & Quantitative Stats; (P) Perusall Week 10: Qualitative Analyses; (Q) Quant & Qual Analyses- Concepts |
| 11 | ARP Capstone Paper- Phase II | (AR) Phase II: Methodology Section (with revised Phase I & References) |
| 12 | Data Visualization & Creating Effective Presentations | (P) Data Visualization |
| 13 | Proposal Presentations | (AR, D) Proposal Presentations & Comments |
| 14 | ARP Capstone Paper- Phase III | (AR) Phase III: Editorial Review & Final Proposal |
| 15 | Reflecting and Looking Ahead | (G) Assessment of a Capstone Project; (D) Reflect & Look Ahead |
Assignment Key. “(P)” = Perusall; “(D)” = Discussions; “(G)” = General Assignments; “(Q)” = Quizzes; “(AR)” = Action Research Capstone Project
Important Dates: GM Academic Calendar (withdrawal dates, university holidays, and other important deadlines).