Why we need take Methods of Evidence-Based Practice class?

Course Description

This course provides an overview of both quantitative and qualitative research methods.  Particular attention is paid to methods of observation, interviewing, and summarizing qualitative data.  Students use qualitative or mixed methods to produce a final research project.

Course Learning Objectives

Claims of “what works,” “best practices,” and the “right” versus “wrong” way of doing things abound in educational and developmental psychology.  But how do we know these claims are supported, or “evidence-based”?  What exactly does “evidence-based practice” mean, and what are the methods used for determining it?  This course aims to provide answers to these questions by way of an overview of various research methods relevant to the field of applied developmental psychology.

After completing this course, you should:

Be a more informed consumer of research and information in your field by asking “why” questions and seeking to answer those questions through a process of scientific inquiry and exploration

Have an understanding of and appreciation for the scientific method, specifically regarding the ability to select and implement proper research methods with regard to a given problem

Be able to use library resources to complete thorough, well-written literature reviews, highlight areas that need further study, conduct research in these areas, interpret results, and postulate potential implications and future research directions

Be more reflective your practice as future professionals

Goal Essay Question:

Describe your background and your current academic interests.  How does this course fit into these interests?  What are your goals for yourself as they pertain to this course, and what are you hoping to learn from this course?  What are your expectations for me as your instructor, and how can I best help you learn throughout the semester?

My background:

My major is Applied Developmental Psychology. I wanna to be a early childhood teacher or any work relate to young kids. 

(this class is the requirement for my major. But actually I don't know what's the class will be look like and I don't know why I need take the class. Please write about two to three paragraph to answer these question.)