M.A. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology Degree Program: Applied Research Project Course Description

Applied Research Project Courses

IO 601 Writing and Research for Practice: Professional Proposals (0.5 credits for each part, totaling 1 credit)
This two-part course introduces students to the Applied Research Project (ARP). This course covers the basic skills needed for writing at the graduate level, including critical thinking and attention to cross-cultural and multiple perspectives; grammar, writing mechanics, and style; and report formats appropriate for the workplace. Students will become familiar with essential resources needed for continuing the development of these skills. Coursework includes an overview of the applied research project and the project’s relationship to the learning outcomes of the program, and covers the process and procedures for creating a personal electronic portfolio (e-portfolio). Required e-portfolio submission: a proposal for an Applied Research Project that includes the problem statement, background, goal, and an annotated bibliography of three to four articles related to the proposal topic. Approval by the student’s advisor is required.

IO 602 Writing and Research for Practice: Information Literacy (0.5 credits for each part, totaling 1 credit)
In addition to a review of electronic and other resources available to graduate students at The Chicago School, including traditional scholarly resources, this course teaches students how to create an effective research strategy to find and evaluate needed information. Students learn to formulate research queries, perform advanced searches using a range of search engines, and critically evaluate information for a particular application. The proper use of reference information to avoid plagiarism is included. Required e-portfolio submission: a revised Applied Research Project if warranted and the Literature Review Section of the project with a complete reference list. Approval by the student’s advisor is required.

IO 604 Writing and Research for Practice: Overview of Applied Research Methodologies (0.5 credits for each part, totaling 1 credit)
An introduction to practical research methods used in workplace settings, including qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as action research. The course covers the interpretation and presentation of fundamental statistical data used in workplace research. Students will learn to select an appropriate design for a particular research question and become familiar with resources for continuing development of these skills. Student e-portfolio outcome: a revised Proposal (if warranted), the Project Methodology section of the Applied Research Project, and a detailed plan to execute and complete the Applied Research Project. Approval by the student’s advisor is required.

IO 603 Writing and Research for Practice: Professional Ethics (0.5 credits for each part, totaling 1 credit)
An overview of individual, as well as organizational, responsibilities with regard to ethical issues and requirements related to research and professional behavior. Students will think critically about ethical situations and compliance regulations in their workplace. The research ethics requirements of The Chicago School are included. Required e-portfolio submission: a revised Applied Research Project if warranted, the Critical Analysis of Ethical Considerations section of the project, and IRB approval, if needed. Approval by the student’s advisor is required.

IO 605 Writing and Research for Practice: The Applied Research Project (0.5 credits for each part, totaling 1 credit)
Students will complete an Applied Research Project related to their workplace in which they formulate, investigate, and analyze a problem and develop solutions to address the problem. The project will include a section presenting an overview of the problem; a review of related literature and other organizational information; a critical analysis of the ethical considerations; a research methodology appropriate for the problem and organizational context; and a critical analysis of the problem and recommendation for its resolution. Required e-portfolio submission: a report documenting the Applied Research Project in a style appropriate for the workplace, and a PowerPoint presentation of the project. Approval by the student’s advisor is required.

For questions concerning any course, or to inquire about the Master’s in Industrial & Organizational Psychology program in general, please call 866-907-4209 or request more information.