MBM 5555 - Doctoral Research Pilot Study

In the pilot study course, students should complete a small-scale project to practice implementing a specific component of the research design they intend to use in their dissertation. For this course, “pilot” study is meant to include projects that allow the student to practice components of their research design to include sampling and/or recruitment strategies, data collection approaches and/or analysis techniques. Such projects must be limited in scope, and, if the project involves data collection from human participants, the pilot project may not involve protected or vulnerable populations, sensitive topics, and should present no more than minimal risk to participants. Instructors may utilize sample data to satisfy the practice component.

If the pilot project involves the collection of data from human participants, students will be expected to complete an IRB application for an exempt or expedited IRB review process, and after IRB approval, implement the protocol, which may include collecting and analyzing data. The course concludes with the reflective report on the pilot study conducted, to include a discussion of strengths and limitations, ethical considerations, and identified opportunities to enhance the protocol in future dissertation research. The protocol for the pilot study should be designed in such a way that most students should be able to complete the course in one semester. Students should consult with the Registrar’s office to best understand financial implications if they do not complete the course in one semester. Students may enroll in MBM 5555c for one additional semester if they have completed the protocol and IRB application. If they have not completed these elements of the course, they must re-enroll in MBM 5555. Prerequisite(s): MBM 5557 - Advanced Research Methods OR any Advanced Research course offered through the Department of Research. 3 credit(s)

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