INLS 691H, Research Methods in Information Science
Fall 2008

Instructor: Barbara Wildemuth
Office: 210 Manning Hall
Email: wildem@ils.unc.edu
Phone: 962-8072 or 962-8366 (SILS office); 968-3018 (home)

Class meetings: Tuesday & Thursday, 9:30-10:45, 304 Manning Hall

Course Description

An introduction to research methods used in information science. Includes the writing of a research proposal. (This course must be successfully completed (i.e., with a grade of B or higher) by any student wishing to register for INLS 99, Honors Thesis in Information Science.)

Textbook and readings

Robson, C. (2002). Real World Research. 2nd edition. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing.

Additional required readings are listed on the class schedule.

Assignments and grading

The course grade will be based on four assignments plus class participation:

• Research question (15%);
• Concept map of literature (15%);
• Literature review (30%);
• Methods proposal (30%); and
• Class participation (10%).

Library and lab resources

You will be using SILS library and lab resources during the course of the semester. Please remember that many of your fellow students also need to use the same material. Follow the proper checkout procedures and return materials promptly to be a good SILS citizen.

The Honor Code

The UNC Honor Code, which prohibits giving or receiving unauthorized aid in the completion of assignments, is in effect in this class. The Instrument of Student Judicial Governance gives examples of actions that constitute academic dishonesty.

There are some specific guidelines for this class.

• You may give and receive assistance regarding the use of hardware and software, including statistical analysis software. Questions regarding which statistical methods to use, etc., should be directed to me, not to a classmate.
• I encourage you to discuss issues raised in class or by the readings with each other. You may also ask your classmates for clarification on class notes.
• Assignments are to be done individually. You should consult the course readings, your notes, and other print or web sources (with proper attribution). You may not consult your classmates or other people; all questions should be addressed to me.

Other course policies

• You are encouraged and expected to participate in discussions, both during class sessions and on the Web-based discussion forum.
• Reading assignments should be done before class so that you can ask questions and participate in discussions.
• All cell phones and beepers should be turned off during class.
• If there is something you don't understand, ask a question! If you don't want to ask during class, come to my office.
• Homework assignments must be turned in at the beginning of the class in which they are due.

Schedule (today) / Assignments / Sakai site for class

© Barbara M. Wildemuth, 2008. All rights reserved.