410.871.01
HBS Research and Proposal Writing Process for Doctoral Students II

Location
East Baltimore
Term
2nd Term
Department
Health, Behavior and Society
Credit(s)
2
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
Class Time(s)
Friday, 10:00 - 11:50am
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Melissa Davey-Rothwell
Contact Name
Melissa Davey-Rothwell
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Description
Acquaints doctoral students with the dissertation proposal and preparation for preliminary oral examination processes. Assists students in making progress on their own proposal through refinement of writing, literature synthesis and critique, and peer review skills. Each session focuses on a specific stage of proposal development for behavioral research including developing a comprehensive conceptual framework, formulating research questions and hypotheses, choosing appropriate study design and methodologies, identifying reliable and valid measures, developing a sound data analysis plan, and ensuring compliance with Human Subjects regulations. Reviews departmental and school-wide requirements for dissertation proposals and preliminary examinations. Discusses application of dissertation proposal and examination preparation skills to professional activities such as manuscript development and conference presentations.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Make progress on their dissertation proposals and discuss the dissertation proposal writing process
  2. Build competencies for peer review and manuscript development that will enhance their proposal development skills
  3. Demonstrate skills for oral presentation and defense of their research in both academic and professional settings
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 5% Participation
  • 5% In-class Exercises
  • 40% Written Assignment(s)
  • 20% Presentation(s)
  • 30% Final Paper
Enrollment Restriction
HBS doctoral students
Instructor Consent
Consent required for all students
Special Comments

Grade is given for both 410.870 and 410.871 upon completion of 410.871.