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PL361 COURSE DETAILS


4 Version(s) of this Course

PL361 (Version: 2026 1) COURSE DETAILS


COURSE TITLE EFF YEAR EFF TERM DEPARTMENT CREDIT HOURS
PL361 RESEARCH METHODS I 2026 1 Behavioral Sciences and Leadership 3.0 (BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0)
SCOPE
This course introduces cadets to the foundational principles and practices of scientific research in the behavioral sciences. Cadets will explore the philosophy and terminology of the scientific method, gaining a solid understanding of essential research concepts. The course covers a range of research designs, including both experimental and non-experimental methodologies, to illustrate how different approaches shape the study of behavior. Cadets will also learn basic data analysis techniques, including both descriptive and inferential statistics. Throughout the course, cadets will apply their knowledge by working in groups to design and conduct research projects using observational methodologies on topics of their choice.
LESSONS: 28 @ 75 min (2.000 Att/wk) LABS: 2 @ 75 min
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Semester-long group research project.

PL361 COURSE REQUISITES


None

PL361 (Version 2026-1) COURSE OFFERINGS


AYT #SECT/SIZE CPBLTY ENRLD WAIT SEATS CLOSED DETAILS
2026 - 1 4 14 56 52 0 4 N Hours

2026 - 8 1 18 18 0 0 18 N Hours

2027 - 1 4 15 60 51 0 9 N Hours

2028 - 1 5 15 75 9 0 66 N Hours

2029 - 1 4 16 64 0 0 64 N Hours

2029 - 8 1 18 18 0 0 18 N Hours

2029 - 9 1 18 18 0 0 18 N Hours


PL361 (Version: 2020 1) COURSE DETAILS (ARCHIVED)


COURSE TITLE EFF YEAR EFF TERM DEPARTMENT CREDIT HOURS
PL361 RESEARCH METHODS I 2020 1 Behavioral Sciences and Leadership 3.0 (BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0)
SCOPE
This course provides cadets with detailed practical knowledge and skills in the scientific analysis of human behavior. The course content begins with a review of the terms and philosophy of the scientific method as well as basic research concepts. Several research designs, primarily non-experimental methods, provide cadets with a better understanding of research techniques and how they affect the results of a study. Basic methods of data analysis, to include descriptive and inferential statistics, will be covered. Groups of cadets will conduct research projects on a topic of their choice using naturalistic observation.
LESSONS: 30 @ 75 min (2.000 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Several design and statistics assignments, several writing assignments and two group oral presentations related to the semester-long group research project.

PL361 COURSE REQUISITES


TYPE COURSE EFF YEAR EFF TERM TRACK RED BOOK FLG
PRE REQUISITE  
  PL100 1979 1 1 Y
  PL150 2005 1 2 Y
  PL100B 2020 1 3 Y

PL361 (Version: 2004 1) COURSE DETAILS (ARCHIVED)


COURSE TITLE EFF YEAR EFF TERM DEPARTMENT CREDIT HOURS
PL361 RESEARCH METHODS I 2004 1 Behavioral Sciences and Leadership 3.0 (BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0)
SCOPE
This course provides cadets with detailed practical knowledge and skills in the scientific analysis of human behavior. The course content begins with a review of the terms and philosophy of the scientific method as well as basic research concepts. Several research designs, primarily non-experimental methods, provide cadets with a better understanding of research techniques and how they affect the results of a study. Basic methods of data analysis, to include descriptive and inferential statistics, will be covered. Groups of cadets will conduct research projects on a topic of their choice using naturalistic observation.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Several design and statistics assignments, several writing assignments and two group oral presentations related to the semester-long group research project.

PL361 COURSE REQUISITES


TYPE COURSE EFF YEAR EFF TERM TRACK RED BOOK FLG
PRE REQUISITE  
  PL100 1979 1 1 Y
  PL150 2005 1 2 Y

PL361 (Version: 2001 1) COURSE DETAILS (ARCHIVED)


COURSE TITLE EFF YEAR EFF TERM DEPARTMENT CREDIT HOURS
PL361 RESEARCH METHODS I 2001 1 Behavioral Sciences and Leadership 3.0 (BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0)
SCOPE
This course provides cadets with detailed practical knowledge and skills in the scientific analysis of human behavior. The course content begins with a review of the terms and philosophy of the scientific method as well as basic research concepts. Several research designs, primarily non-experimental methods, provide cadets with a better understanding of research techniques and how they affect the results of a study. Basic methods of data analysis, to include descriptive and inferential statistics, will be covered. Groups of cadets will conduct two research projects using naturalistic observation and survey methods.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
SEVERAL STATISTICS AND DESIGN ASSIGNMENTS, TWO LAB REPORTS (1000-1500 WORDS).

PL361 COURSE REQUISITES


TYPE COURSE EFF YEAR EFF TERM TRACK RED BOOK FLG
PRE REQUISITE  
  PL100 1979 1 1 Y