RESEARCH ANALYST
Program Outline
OCAS Identifier: RAPP
Length: 1 Year
Delivery: 3 Semesters
Credential: Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Effective: 2011-2012
Location: Barrie
Start: Fall + Winter
Description
This post graduate program encompasses two academic semesters and one twelve-week internship, and accepts graduates of college diploma and university degree programs. It equips the students with the knowledge, skills, and professionalism necessary to do applied social research in a variety of government and business settings, such as marketing, tourism, media, education, health, legal and the community.
The program focuses on the entire research process, from inception and formulation of the research questions, through research design, information retrieval, data analysis, and interpretation to the preparation and presentation of the finished report. Special features of the program include an emphasis on ethical and legal concerns, communication processes, qualitative and quantitative methodology, and the use of computer technology.
The program is enriched by the diversity of students' academic backgrounds and variety of career expectations. Students are expected by way of career interests and the internship, to apply their acquired knowledge and skills to the research process in the field of their choice.
The academic courses offered during the first two semester's feature theoretical, practical, and seminar/discussion sessions. Every effort is made to provide students with exposure to current research projects. During the internship, students apply the research knowledge from the program and must complete specific competencies relating to their academic courses as well as duties and responsibilities assigned by the employer.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities are available in a variety of public, private and non-profit organizations. Program graduates have research skills to seek employment in opinion research, social planning research, marketing research, advertising research, tourism research, human resources research, education research, needs assessment and program evaluation research. Graduates are employed in the research field where strong technical and analytical skills, a professional attitude, good oral and written communication skills and knowledge of research design and analysis are valued. Employers include educational institutions, consulting groups, municipal, provincial and federal government agencies, private corporations and social agencies.
Additionally, the internship which is completed in the third semester of the program, has been designed to blend career ambitions with post diploma college studies. Students will be provided with opportunities for interaction with individuals in the research industry. The students will experience one or more aspects of the process of designing, conducting, analyzing, interpreting and presenting a research project. Placement opportunities will be determined by the Program Co-ordinator and the student.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- research Process design, implement, and communicate an applied research project that demonstrates theoretical, conceptual, and operational aspects of the entire research process;
- ethical/Legal conduct research that demonstrates respect for professional ethical values, standards, human rights, and legislation;
- methodology - use qualitative and quantitative methodological knowledge in designing, conducting, and evaluating research projects and producing findings;
- technology - use the most recent technology in retrieving and processing information as well as presenting and communicating findings;
- analysis - process information and conduct statistical and non-statistical analysis in a way that is best suited to the nature of the information and to the purposes of the study;
- interpretation - critically interpret and evaluate research and its implications within the decision process;
- communication - communicate in clear written and verbal format using effective presentation techniques;
- Complementary to the learning outcomes, graduates of the Research Analyst Program will have a sense of confidence and competence that enables them to function effectively in a research setting by demonstrating many of the following:
- intellectual curiosity
- critical inquiry skills
- problem solving skills
- creative development
- initiative
- practical experience
- negotiating skills
- professionalism
- team work and leadership
Program Progression
Fall Intake
Sem 1 - Fall 2011
Sem 2 - Winter 2012
Sem 3 - Summer 2012
Winter Intake
Sem 1 - Winter 2012
Sem 2 - Summer 2012
Sem 3 - Fall 2012
Note: To confirm Winter (January) start, contact the Office of the Registrar.
Admission Requirements
A three year college Diploma or University Degree, or equivalent, with a specialty in social science, humanities, education, business or marketing.
Selection Process
Applicants will be asked to submit a current resume and letter of interest to the Program Co-ordinator. Academic and experiential learning of all applicants will be assessed.
Graduation Requirements
12 Mandatory Courses
1 Internship
Graduation Eligibility
To graduate from this program, a student must attain a minimum of 60% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester. The passing weighted average for promotion through each semester and to graduate is 60%.
Mandatory
RAPP1000 Population and Demography
RAPP1001 Survey Design and Analysis
RAPP1002 Database Management
RAPP1003 Fundamentals of Statistical Analysis
RAPP1004 Research Communication Skills
RAPP1005 Qualitative Research
RAPP1006 Research Seminar
RAPP1007 Advanced Statistical Procedures
RAPP1008 Research Management Skills
RAPP1009 Advanced Methods and Special Projects
RAPP1010 Spreadsheet and Table Management
RAPP1011 New Research Technology
Internship
RAPP1012 Research Analyst Internship
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
RAPP1000 Population and Demography 42.0 Hours
This course provides students with knowledge and skills to analyze the demographic composition of population as well as the causes and consequences of population change. The emphasis is placed on conducting trend analysis and examining the relationships between social, economic, and demographic trends, by utilization of Statistics Canada information and Canadian Census Statistics. The demographic applications used in research studies for descriptive and analytical purposes are explored.
RAPP1001 Survey Design and Analysis 42.0 Hours
We are surveyed repeatedly about our opinions, behaviour and future intentions. Survey research is examined and techniques for its application in a variety of applied situations are developed. Students apply the theory of sampling, questionnaire design and data collection for a variety of decision making situations. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
RAPP1002 Database Management 42.0 Hours
Database Management presents students with essential aspects of database design and use in research. Students define elements of a research database and create codebooks. Relational tables are constructed with properties including default values and validation rules. Students create data entry forms with easy to use features, including value boxes, automatic tabbing, and macros. In the latter portion of the course, students conduct queries and create reports, including crosstabs. Exporting, importing and merging data are also covered. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
RAPP1003 Fundamentals of Statistical Analysis 42.0 Hours
This course introduces students to the methods used to present and describe information as well as some ability to draw conclusions about populations of data based on samples. The selection and use of summary values such as measures of central tendency and measures of variation are examined as well as some inferential statistical techniques. This course will also introduce students to a specialized statistical software package and how it can be used to summarize and analyze data. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
RAPP1004 Research Communication Skills 42.0 Hours
Students refine existing skills in order to communicate confidently in a variety of situations. Writing skills will be developed through critiquing research documents, writing a proposal and a formal report and by applying advanced word processing and editing skills. Individual and group presentation skills will be strengthened through exercises using video feedback and presentation software. Students will clarify their career focus by beginning a portfolio.
RAPP1005 Qualitative Research 42.0 Hours
The Qualitative Research Methods course focuses on non-empirical methods of data gathering and on descriptive and explanatory levels of data analysis. The data gathering techniques to be studied include: indepth interviews, focus groups, case studies, field observations, literature reviews and historical research methods. The student applies these qualitative methods by means of case studies, field experiences and class research projects. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
RAPP1006 Research Seminar 28.0 Hours
This course provides a forum for students to discuss and generate ideas on issues related to a variety of applied social research. Students conduct an in-depth study of a research topic of their choice, discuss issues with experts in the field of research, work in discussion groups, debate and problem solve on selected issues. In the research seminar, the students are given an opportunity to integrate their knowledge, skills and practical experience gained in the program. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
RAPP1007 Advanced Statistical Procedures 42.0 Hours
This course builds on the inferential statistical techniques introduced in the Fundamentals of Statistics course, and introduces students to the use of some advanced parametric hypothesis tests (such as analysis of variance) and non- parametric tests. Multiple regression analysis and multiple comparison techniques are also studied. Students will develop the ability to recognize the appropriate statistical test for a given situation. The course makes extensive use of a statistical software package introduced in the first term. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
RAPP1008 Research Management Skills 42.0 Hours
A successful employee is one who is a team player and is motivated in any organizational environment. The behavioural aspects of project management are developed in this course, through the use of readings, experiential exercises, role playing and case studies. Students are actively involved in exploring and experiencing individual, group and organizational processes. In addition, the student develops a portfolio directed to his/her career goals as a research professional in a field of interest.
RAPP1009 Advanced Methods and Special Projects 42.0 Hours
This course focuses on advanced methodologies for gathering and analyzing data. Building upon the theory and skills from Semester 1, students plan and execute a custom research study of their choice. For the project, the student can employ either qualitative or quantitative methods introduced in Semester 1. The course concentrates on the entire research process but in particular, the analysis and interpretation and communication of the results. In addition, the student applies project management tools. The work includes the design of work plans, time and budget planning, and monitoring and evaluating the work progress.
RAPP1010 Spreadsheet and Table Management 42.0 Hours
Spreadsheet and Table Management presents students with a full range of data analysis and summary techniques using spreadsheet software. Basics to be covered include cell addressing, entering data and formulas, and relative versus absolute addressing. Drawing on their statistical knowledge, students produce common research data analyses, including histograms, measures of central tendency and variation, comparison of means, correlations and pivot tables. Students organize and present their results using summary tables and charts. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
RAPP1011 New Research Technology 56.0 Hours
Technological advances in software and hardware are expanding the capabilities of researchers. This course exposes the student to the range of technology available to do qualitative and quantitative research. The technology ranges from data collection tools such as designing forms for data capture with a high speed scanner. In addition, students are introduced to designing surveys for the INTERNET, and both CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) and CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing) applications. Students are allowed to further specialize in the use of at least one of the research technology and apply it to their special projects course.
RAPP1012 Research Analyst Internship 450.0 Hours
This course is designed to give the students practical experience in the field of research. Students work directly with a host agency for concentrated period of twelve weeks. Typically, the student serves as a research assistant for ongoing research projects. The student is assigned specific research responsibilities and must complete specific core and elective learning competencies during the internship.
Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through an assessment process.
More information about Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
NOTE: Information contained in College documents respecting programs is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. The college reserves the right to add or delete programs, options, courses, timetables or campus locations subject to sufficient enrolment, and the availability of courses.
Last Update: March 08, 2012.