Analyze, interpret, apply, and write about research findings in human development.
Course Learning Objectives
- Synthesize knowledge of scientific approaches to solve problems related to human development and family studies.
- Critically evaluate and apply research methods and concepts related to human development and family studies.
- Compare and contrast different research methods (e.g., survey vs. observational).
- Select appropriate methods for different applied research questions, particularly those that are most suitable for studying developmental changes (e.g., longitudinal studies; program evaluations).
- Conceptualize and describe basic statistical procedures.
- Explain ethical principles and relate them to issues inherent in conducting research with animal and human participants.
- Demonstrate the ability to use effectively data analytical software (e.g., Excel, SPSS) and presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint) to apply knowledge of research skills.
- Demonstrate effective written and/or oral communication skills appropriate to theoretical, practical, and/or ethical situations related to research and research methods in the field of human development and family studies.
- Discriminate among and conceptualize appropriate use of different research methods and basic statistical procedures.
- Demonstrate professional/collaboration skills, such as acknowledging multiple points of view.
Prerequisite
HDFS 101 (Individual and Family Development) or PSY 100 (General Psychology); STAT 201 (General Statistics) or STAT 301 (Introduction to Statistical Methods); Completion of 60 credits.
Important Information
All prerequisites must be completed or consent from the instructor given prior to enrollment.
If you register for this course after the start of the term, please contact the instructor at the time of registration. By contacting the instructor, students ensure they are added to the CANVAS section as soon as possible and have access to the course and details about the class requirements.
Textbooks and Materials
Please check the CSU Bookstore for textbook information. Textbook listings are available at the CSU Bookstore about 3 weeks prior to the start of the term.
Instructors
Katie Gerst
katherine.gerst@colostate.edu
Dr. Katie Gerst is an Assistant Professor in the Human Development and Family Studies Department at CSU. She is also a Certified Family Life Educator through the National Council on Family Relations. Dr. Gerst has extensive teaching experience both on-campus and from a distance, having taught her first resident instruction class in 2008. She has been at CSU since 2018, but previously taught at Baker College in Michigan, Texas Tech University, and Northern Illinois University. Dr. Gerst’s scholarly interests include gender and power dynamics in romantic relationships, maternal mental health, and the scholarship of teaching and learning in family science.
