Students will complete a written case-study analysis of two completed design projects that employ evidence summarized in the Phase 1 Journal Summary Assignment. Using accepted format for design case-studies (chapter 8 in the course textbook), the student is expected to assess key components of the design solution. Students will use findings from the case-study to justify design solutions. This assignment should include cited images of the project to provide visual support to written analysis.
Assignment will be peer reviewed and instructor reviewed, with revisions due in Week 10 and in the final program brief. A minimum of 750 words.
Assignment Specifics
Week 6 / AUG 30: Introduction to case-studies
In class
Overview of research goals. Students identify two case-studies.
Assignment
Read chapter 8. Identify area of study for senior capstone including keywords for at least three journal searches. Find six (6) journal articles related to area of study. Highlight each article’s hypothesis, research methodology, and findings for group discussion in Week 3.
Week 7 / OCT 7: First case-study
In class
Career Services Workshop (in-class). Before class, print the career services workshop assignment.
Assignment
Write first case-study, visit local precedent, or complete local interviews.
Week 8 / OCT 14: No class – Fall Break
Assignment
Submit first case-study to google drive by midnight October 14th.
Week 9 / OCT 21: Peer-review first case-study
Before class
Students bring three printed/stapled copies of both case-studies to class for peer review.
In class (peer review)
Students are divided into small groups that read and provided feedback for each student.
Assignment
Based on peer review and instructor feedback, students revise case-studies for re-submission in week 10.
Week 10 / OCT 28: Project submission
Before class
Student submits 750 word revised case-studies before the beginning of class via google docs.
Non-Research Activities List
Students conducting interviews should make sure the questions and outcomes fall into one of the following categories. If you have questions, ask your instructor! Before your interview, complete and send to me this informed consent form.
Exploratory Projects: Discussion of ideas that could later frame a research study. This information is not reported in final project (e.g., conversations designed to provide background on a topic).
Secondary or Archival Data Analysis: Using previously collected data to answer new questions, such as public use data sets that do not contain information about the identity of participants (e.g., US Census Bureau, National Center for Health Statistics). [Note: private access data sets or data sets with linked records may require IRB review.]
Observations: Observations of naturally occurring behavior in places where people have no reasonable expectation of privacy (public settings), if the observer is not changing the environment (intervention) and not talking with those who are being observed (interaction) or recording information that would be considered “private” (e.g., sitting in a shopping mall observing the types of customers who frequent stores). [Exception: observations of children could require IRB review if the intent is to generalize knowledge. Refer to 45 CFR 46 Subpart D].
Gathering Testimonials: Collection of personal statements in support of a predetermined position, specific product or organization (e.g., collecting quotations to use in a marketing campaign, creating a video to promote a product).
Clinical or Field Experiences: A series of supervised experiences that are designed to teach students how to practice in a professional field (e.g., Education, Nursing, Counseling, Physical Therapy).
Needs Assessment: Collection of information from a group or population for the purpose of guiding a specific project or to improve service delivery (e.g., interviews with clients concerning design preferences).
