OT 639 RESEARCH III: DATA COLLECTIO and ANALYSIS Course Syllabus - Audrey E. Wagstaff, Ph.D., MJE

Term
Fall 2026
Section
M1
Course Delivery
ln person­[FTF]
Class Program
Credits 1.00

This course advances the student’s understanding critical appraisal and evidence synthesis in research. Students will develop a research question related to occupational therapy intervention, define inclusion and exclusion criteria, develop a search strategy, and synthesize quantitative and qualitative evidence. Students will write a concise statement on the main findings of their research.

Meeting Times, Location, & Course Delivery Details

Meeting Days:
M
Meeting Times:
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Location:
CSS 12/B
Delivery Details

Curriculum Placement
3rd Semester
Year 1
Pre-Requisites
Successful completion of all 2nd semester coursework.
Academic Credit
1 Credit Hour

Contact Information

Instructor:
Audrey E. Wagstaff, Ph.D., MJE
Instructor Email:
audrey_wagstaff@wilmington.edu
Office Location:
College Hall 202
Phone Number
937.481.2228
Office Hours:
By Appointment
Course Learning Outcomes

Upon Successful completion of this course...

OT 639 Research III: Data Collection & Analysis

B.5.1 Locate, select, and critique quantitative and qualitative research to analyze and evaluate scholarly activities that contribute to the development of a body of knowledge and evidence-based decision making. This includes the: • Level of evidence • Validity of research studies • Strength of the methodology • Relevance to the profession of occupational therapy

B.5.2 Participate in scholarly activities that align with current research priorities and advance knowledge translation, professional practice, service delivery, or professional issues (e.g., scholarship of discovery, scholarship of integration, scholarship of application, scholarship of teaching and learning). At a minimum, this could include a literature review that requires analysis and synthesis of data.

Course Materials

Required: Brown, C. (2023). The evidence-based practitioner (2nd ed.). F.A. Davis

Recommended: American Psychological Association (2023). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association

(7th ed.). APA.org

Instructor's Course Objectives

Upon Successful completion of this course...

OT 639 Research III: Data Collection & Analysis

  1. Locate, select, and critique quantitative and qualitative research to analyze and evaluate scholarly activities that contribute to the development of a body of knowledge and evidence-based decision making. This includes the: • Level of evidence • Validity of research studies • Strength of the methodology • Relevance to the profession of occupational therapy
    1. Participate in scholarly activities that align with current research priorities and advance knowledge translation, professional practice, service delivery, or professional issues (e.g., scholarship of discovery, scholarship of integration, scholarship of application, scholarship of teaching and learning). At a minimum, this could include a literature review that requires analysis and synthesis of data.
Course Schedule

Tentative Schedule

Course Schedule

Week 1

Topics

Assignments

August 24-28

 

  • Overview of Research III & IV

  • Review example research posters from previous cohorts

 

 

 

  • Review Syllabus (No submission)

 

  • Create a digital research folder to save articles (No submission)

Week 2

Topics

Assignments

 

Aug. 31 – Sept. 4

 

  • Group Assignments and Brainstorming Session

 

 

Assignments:

  • Complete/Incomplete:

Each group submits 3 topic ideas by the end of class

Week 3

Topics

Assignments

 

Sept. 7-11

Labor Day (no classes)- Sept. 7th

Monday

 

No Class, Labor Day

 

Week 4

Topics

Assignments

 

September 14-18

 

  • Literature Search

  • What is your research question?

  • What databases will you search?

  • What search terms will you use?

  • What filters will you use?

Assignments:

  • Assignment 1:

Search Template (Submit your group’s search strategy) Due Sunday 9/20 @ 11:59 pm.

 

  

Week 5

Topics

Assignments

 

Sept. 21-25

 

  • Literature Search

 

 

  • Search for articles that pertain to your group’s topic (No submission)

 

Week 6

Topics

Assignments

Sept. 28- Oct. 2

 

 

  • Evidence Tables

 

 

  • Continue searching for articles and work in your group to start developing the Evidence Tables

Week 7

Topics

Assignments

 

Oct. 5-9

  • Developing a Hypothesis

  • Review your

Evidence tables

  • Identify the gap.

  • Identify your independent and dependent variables.

  • Identify your population.

 

Assignments:

 

  • Assignment 2:

Hypothesis Template-Due Sunday, 10/11 @ 11:59 pm

Week 8

Topics

Assignments

October 12-16

Professional Dev. Day (no classes)- Tues. Oct. 13th

 

Midterm: Evidence Tables

(20 articles must be submitted for the group)

Due Sunday, 10/18 @ 11:59 pm

 

Week 9

Topics

Assignments

October 19-23

Fall Break (no classes)- Mon. Oct. 19th

Monday

 

Fall Break, No Class

 

Week 10

Topics

Assignments

 

October 26-30

 

  • Testing Your Hypothesis

Assignments:

 

Work with your group to develop/select your Data Collection Tool (No Submission).

 

Week 11

Topics

Assignments

 

Nov. 2-6

  • Testing Your Hypothesis

 

Work with your group to develop/select your Data Collection tool (No Submission).

 

 

 

Week 12

Topics

Assignments

 

November 9-13

 

  • Testing Your Hypothesis

Assignments:

  • Assignment 3:

Research Design Template-Due Sunday, 11/15 @ 11:59 pm

Week 13

Topics

Assignments

 

November 16-20

 

  • Measurement & Data

 

Assignments:

  • Assignment 4:

Data Collection Tool-Due Sunday, 11/22 @ 11:59 pm

 

November 23 - 27 Thanksgiving Break No Classes

 

Week 14

Topics

Assignments

 

Nov. 30- Dec. 4

  • Completing the IRB Application

Review IRB documentation.

 

  

Week 15

Topics

Assignments

December 7-11

  • Completing the IRB Application

Work with your group to complete the IRB documentation (No Submission).

 

Week 16

Topics

Assignments

December 14-18

 

Final: Submit All IRB Paperwork

Due Monday, 12/14 @ 1:00 pm

 

Subject to change during the semester. Adequate notice of changes will be given.

Course Assignments

Image removed. Course Assignments

Assignment Descriptions
AssignmentB Standard AddressedDescription
Search TemplateB.5.1Students willdemonstrate an effective literature search by identifying appropriate databases, key terms, and filters to obtain articles.
Hypothesis TemplateB.5.2Students will synthesize evidence to identify knowledge gaps pertaining to their topic. Students will usethis information to form a hypothesis on which to base theirresearch design.
Research Design TemplateB.5.2Students will identify their research designand the typeof data theyplan to collect.
Data Collection ToolB.5.2Students will choosea data collection tool and timeline, and a strategy to recruit participants.
Evidence TableB.5.1Students will createan evidence tableto evaluate the results of their literature search.
IRB SubmissionB.5.2Students will complete an IRB application for human subjects research, an exempted review request form, and their data collection tool (with an included informed consent statement).

***Please note: A minimum of a “B” is required to pass a class in Occupational Therapy. If the student does not receive a minimum of a “B” in the course, he/she will have one opportunity to re-take the course and pass it when it is offered in the next year to continue to progress through the program. Two failures may result in dismissal.

Class assignments are designed to ensure that students are building the skills needed to become competent, entry-level practitioners by graduation. Each class uses a variety of evaluation methods to meet diverse student learning styles. Students are expected to fully prepare for each class and meet all assigned due dates. Late submissions are not permitted. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion.

Course Final Exam

Any midterm or final assessment CANNOT be rescheduled for an unexcused absence. Time allotted for exams and quizzes will vary between courses. In general, students are allowed two hours for examinations and thirty minutes for quizzes.

Course Final Exam

Finals Week December 14-17, 2026

Course Final Exam
Finals Week December 14-17, 2026
Evaluation of Work

Image removed. Evaluation of Work

The grading scale will be as follows:

Evaluation Methods  
AssignmentCourse GradeLetter GradeEquivalents:
Assignments x450% 

1: Search Template (12.5%)

2: Hypothesis (12.5%)

3: Research Design(12.5%)

4: Data Collection Tool (12.5%)

 

A = 90-100

B = 80-89

F = 0-79

Midterm: Evidence Table25% 
Final: IRB Submission25% 

Methods of Evaluation: Check all that apply

 

Case Study Presentation 
Exams Demonstration 
Group Projects

X

Individual Project 
Assignments/Papers

X

Essay Test 
EBP Literature Analysis Objective Test/Quiz 
Lab Performance/Competency Lab Practical 
Journaling Participation/In-Class ActivitiesX
Fieldwork Performance Evaluation Other (Digital Notebook) 

Methods of Instruction: Check all that apply

Case Analysis Role Play
RoundtableDiscussion

X

Clinical Simulations
DiscussionQuestioning/Interviewing

X

Community Integration Experience
Experiential Learning

X

Multimedia Activities
FieldworkExperience Other
Group Presentation  
Lecture

X

 
Lab Activities

X

 

Instructor Course Policies

Instructor's Course Attendance Policy

Daily Participation is a key part of this course, and students are expected to attend all programmed portions of the course. Students are encouraged to communicate with the instructor before class time if any issue arises that may interfere with their ability to participate or require them to step out of the class during unscheduled breaks. Active participation in all daily discussion, community outings, and class/laboratory experiences in this course will be noted by instructors during each session. Students deemed to be disinterested, unengaged, or otherwise occupied, will not receive participation points at the discretion of the instructor with no recourse on the part of the student. Students should arrive prepared for class to discuss, answer questions, and participate in all class lectures, meeting times and activities. Students should make every effort to use the bathroom during scheduled breaks offered approximately once per hour during instruction. If a student leaves the class at other times, it is their responsibility to communicate to the instructor ahead of time of an issue that my prevent them from sitting in class for approximately 60 minutes. Any student who is not engaged in the class, completing other activities not related to the course or the assigned activity, or completing assignments such as studying for another course will be asked to leave the class. Absence, tardiness, and participation points can all be affected by each incident.

Course Policies

The following professional behaviors will be expected and enforced in and out of class in the WC Occupational Therapy Program at the discretion of the instructor:

Absences & Tardiness

It is an expectation that students will attend and fully participate in all classes and fieldwork assignments. Students at the master’s level are adults and are held accountable for their actions and behavior. Even the most reliable student can have an emergency occur (see absence policy). In the case of absence from fieldwork, both the fieldwork supervisor and the fieldwork coordinator must be notified.

*Free medical and mental health services are available from the Wilmington College Health and Wellness Center. The Health and Wellness Center can be utilized to obtain a medical note (937)-481-2217.

Absences

Instructors reserve the right to determine whether an absence is excused or unexcused. Absencesresult in 1% off the overall final grade each day the student is absent (e.g., If a student is absent 4 days over the semester, 4% of the overall final grade is deducted resulting in an overall course grade of 96% vs. 100%. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion.

Excused Absences

An excused absence is defined as a student’s unexpected illness/health with a medical note, bereavement for immediate family (e.g., spouse, children, grandparents, grandchildren, parents, siblings), or an unexpected life event (e.g., emergencies, hospitalizations, and legal obligations). An excused absence will result in the student’s ability to make-up assigned in-class work & assignments and submit within two days for full credit. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion.

Unexcused Absences

An unexcused absence is defined as 1.) birthdays, 2.) holidays that are not approved on the Wilmington College graduate calendar, 3.) weddings, 4.) vacations/trips, 5.) absence due to illness without a medical note, or 6.) work. Unexcused absences will result in a student’s inability to submit assigned in-class work on the day of absence. Regular assignments (those that are not completed in-class), and that are due for submission on the same day that a student is absent, MUST be turned in by the due date regardless of whether the student is present for class to avoid a zero grade.

In the case of ALL absences, whether excused or unexcused, you are expected to contact your instructor to get information and materials missed.

*If a student has unexcused absences of 3 or more days for any single course, they can be considered for failure of the course and possible dismissal from the program.

Tardiness

Students are expected to arrive to class or learning session on time including arriving on time after a break in class or learning session. After one late arrival, the instructor contacts the student if the student did not communicate ahead of time regarding the late arrival. Upon the second late arrival, whether excused or unexcused, the instructor notifies the student’s faculty advisor to request the development of an action plan to prevent further occurrences. The student is responsible for any missed material and assignments resulting from tardiness. Failing to notify the instructor of tardiness or absence before class starts, or consistent tardiness may impact your overall grade.  

Tardiness over five minutes will result in 1% off the overall final grade each day the student is tardy. (e.g.,If a student is tardy 4 days over the semester, 4% of the overall final grade is deducted resulting in an overall course grade of 96% vs. 100%. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion. 

Instructor's Academic Integrity Policy

Academic Misconduct

See the Graduate Catalog and OT student handbook for additional policies in dealing with academic misconduct charges.

Academic misconduct may result in a failing grade, and a letter regarding the incident may be placed in the student’s permanent file in the Office of Academic Affairs. Academic misconduct includes all types of scholastic dishonesty and includes, but is not limited to, cheating on examinations or assignments, interfering with another student’s work, representing work done by another as your own, and plagiarizing.   

Scholastic Dishonesty

Academic misconduct/scholastic dishonesty may result in a failing grade, and a letter regarding the incident may be placed in the student’s permanent file in the Office of Academic Affairs. Academic misconduct includes all types of scholastic dishonesty and includes, but is not limited to, cheating on examinations or assignments, interfering with another student’s work, representing work done by another as your own, and plagiarizing.  

Resources are available to help students understand how to avoid plagiarism. Faculty may require students to submit their written assignments through plagiarism software prior to submission. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for help if needed. See the college catalogue and website for further information. 

Any student who commits an act of academic misconduct/scholastic dishonesty is subject to discipline that can result in dismissal from the program (refer to the Probation & Suspension policies in the OT Student Handbook and Graduate Catalog). Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable to another person.

Artificial Intelligence

Using AI-generated text or images without proper citation is academic dishonesty. Wilmington College defines plagiarism as “submitting work done wholly or partly by another,” and that remains true even if the other is an AI model and not another student or author of a published article. You are not permitted to use generative AI tools for any work in courses. This includes the use of popular tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, GitHub Co-Pilot, as well as all other tools built on generative AI technologies UNLESS EXPRESSLY PERMITTED BY THE INSTRUCTOR. Due to the nature of this program, work can only be fairly and accurately evaluated if student writing has NOT been assisted by generative AI. Use of generative AI for assignments in this course will be considered a violation of the College’s academic integrity policies. Assigned reading and corresponding written assignments in this program are designed to develop independent skills and thoughtful perspective through reflective technical writing. Use of AI undermines that work, its purpose, and ultimately any benefit that it could provide towards students’ learning experience. Therefore, the use of any generative AI to help with any assignments will be considered cheating/plagiarism and will be graded and handled accordingly. 

Additional Course Policies

Minimal Technical Standards
A student is expected to meet all standards as outlined on the MSOT program’s Minimum Technical Standards document. If a student is no longer able to meet these standards for any reason, the student is advised to contact the Director of Accessibility and Disability Services as soon as possible. The Accessibility and Disability Services office will provide written instructions for the type and extent of accommodations to meet the student’s need. The stipulations for accommodations will be provided directly from the Accessibility and Disability Services office to the appropriate instructors, per the policies and procedures of the Accessibility and Disability Services office.

Assignments  
Class assignments are designed to ensure that students are building the skills needed to become competent, entry-level practitioners by graduation. Each class uses a variety of evaluation methods to meet diverse student learning styles. Students are expected to be fully prepared for each class and meet all assigned due dates. Late submissions are generally NOT permitted. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion.

Exams and Quizzes
Written Exams
Time allotted for exams and quizzes will vary between courses. In general, students are allowed one hour for multiple choice exams, 30 minutes for quizzes, and two hours for exams containing case studies, short answer items, or essay questions. Official time allotted for exams and quizzes is at the discretion of the individual instructor.

Practical Exams
Time frames for practical exams and performance-based competencies given individually or in pairs are determined by the amount of content involved and the expectation of the demonstration, at the discretion of the instructor.

Rescheduling Exams
Examinations must be given during the scheduled examination period at the end of each semester. A student may take a final at a different time only if an emergency or a special circumstance at the time of the exam occurs. Students who think they have special reason to ask for a special examination should complete the Early/Late Exam Request form, take it to the instructor for approval, and have it countersigned by the Program Director. No instructor is authorized to provide a special exam without this form.

Any midterm or final assessment CANNOT be rescheduled for an unexcused absence.

Professional Behaviors
Students are expected to be professional in all interactions associated with the school and program. Professional behavior is expected to be maintained in all classrooms and campus buildings, and when in the community for assigned class activities. Unprofessional behavior will be addressed immediately, and the student will be held accountable for immediate resolution of the issue.

Behaviors which detract from students learning will not be tolerated. These behaviors include but are not limited to talking during class when an instructor or other student has the floor, attire that distracts from students learning, entering, and exiting during instruction, and incoming messages on electronic devices.

Cell Phones
All phones will be silenced and put away during class and only accessed during break times. If an emergency occurs and the professor is informed appropriately, an exception may be made. Faculty approval is required for any exceptions to cell phone and electronic device use and is at the discretion of the individual instructor.

Dress Code
Students are expected to be always clean and neat. Students are expected to wear business casual dress shirts, polo shirts, or Wilmington College branded shirts, and dark or khaki casual pants or scrub pants. No jeans, spandex, or shorts are allowed without explicit permission from the course instructor. All clothing must be loose enough to allow free movement through all ranges, especially during lab activities. When participating in anatomy and kinesiology labs students may be asked to change into appropriate lab clothing as designated by instructors. Rubber-soled, close-toed shoes are required. No clogs, flipflops, or sandals are allowed.

Jewelry, perfumes, and after shave scents must be kept to a minimum. When guest speakers or other visitors are present, students must wear their Wilmington College OT Student name tags. Pajamas or tank tops will not be permitted during class, including courses delivered in an online format.

Electronic Devices 
The use of electronic devices (including headphones) during class or any instructional activity or session for personal communication, texting/chatting, private exploration, or any other purpose outside of the activities prescribed by the Professor for that session is not permitted.

Food & Drink
Any food must only be consumed in breaks, outside or in the student lounge. Students are allowed lidded drinking cups in the classroom. All students are responsible for their own clean up. All kitchen items must be washed and replaced immediately after use. Refrigerators must be emptied of all student items each Thursday before students can leave the building. The program is not responsible for items left in the department over weekends, holidays, or breaks.

Inclusive Learning

Wilmington College is committed to actively pursuing justice and equity for all and in providing an inclusive learning environment that is healthy, safe, and designed to support the success of all participants in their educational pursuits.

Online Netiquette
Online communication can be challenging. It’s possible to miscommunicate what we mean or to misunderstand what our classmates mean given the lack of body language and immediate feedback. Therefore, please keep these netiquette (network etiquette) guidelines in mind. Failure to observe them may result in disciplinary action.

  • Always consider audience. All communication should reflect polite consideration of other’s ideas.
  • Respect and courtesy must be always provided to classmates and instructors. No harassment or inappropriate postings will be tolerated.
  • When reacting to someone else’s message, address the ideas, not the person. Post only what anyone would comfortably state in a face-to-face situation.

Physical Contact:
Disclaimer: Due to the nature of occupational therapy practice, there may be physical contact with other classmates and instructors in order to fully comprehend and correctly perform specific evaluation and intervention techniques. By reading this statement and signing the syllabus attestation, you agree to fully participate and accept the necessity for physical contact by instructors, guest speakers, and other classmates for professional and educational purposes.

https://www.wilmington.edu/academics/academic-calendar 
https://catalog.wilmington.edu/ 
https://www.wilmington.edu/academics/academic-records/catalog-archives

Americans with Disabilities Act

If you have a documented disability that requires accommodations, contact Spencer Izor, the Associate VP for Compliance: spencer.izor@wilmington.edu, 937-481-2365, or visit her office in College Hall, Room 306.” If it is a class in the Prison Education Program, refer them to the Site Coordinator rather than to Spencer.

Face to Face Courses

Wilmington College defines a Face-to-Face course as one which meets in a physical space on a regular weekly schedule. All students enrolled in a Face-to-Face course are expected to physically attend and participate in all class sessions.

Occupational Therapy Program Mission

The mission of the Occupational Therapy program at Wilmington College is to prepare exceptional occupational therapy professionals that recognize and respond to the unique needs of rural communities with a focus on evidence and occupational-based practices that are client-centered.

Upon completion of the Occupational Therapy program, students will...
1. Use critical reasoning to recognize health care needs, especially those in rural contexts, and provide evidence-based occupational therapy services to a variety of populations employing a variety of service delivery models, in different health care settings, and within community-based systems.

2. Provide services within a client-centered, occupational-based theoretical foundation with consideration of the underlying factors including, but not limited to, the culture and contexts that influence the individual’s ability to engage in meaningful occupational tasks and roles.

3. Clearly articulate, document, and apply professional principles and ethics, in advocacy of the client’s and family’s needs, as well as the needs of the OT profession.

4. Provide direct and indirect services to promote and sustain health, facilitate typical growth and development, prevent deficits, and maintain, restore, or enhance function through compensation, adaptation, and participation in appropriate therapeutic methods, environmental modifications, use of adaptive equipment, and assistive technologies to enhance meaningful occupational engagement.

5. Demonstrate the ability to manage and evaluate the efficacy of occupational therapy services including client care outcomes, departmental operations, documentation and reimbursement, and the supervision of appropriate personnel, including fieldwork students, within the guidelines of professional practice.

6. Initiate and participate in collaborative and cooperative interactions with intra-disciplinary and interdisciplinary professionals, clients, families, significant others, and caregivers to achieve the desired occupational therapy outcomes. Learning Outcome item

Learning Outcomes

Relationship to Curriculum Design and Themes 
The Wilmington College Occupational Therapy Program has a rural focus with three themes woven throughout the curriculum. The three themes reflect aspects of current occupational therapy practice and care and are as follows:

  • Evidence-Based Practice
  • Occupation-Based Practice
  • Client-Centered Care

Syllabus Signature Page

Student Syllabus Attestation

 

Course Name and Number: _________________________
Semester and Year: _______________________________


My signature verifies that I have received, read, and understand the policies as stated
in the course syllabus. I agree to abide by the policies and expectations outlined for
this course.


Student Name: _______________________________________________________
Student Signature: ______________________________ Date: _______________

Institutional and Program-Level Policies

Final Exam Schedule
All exams will follow the Final Exam Schedule. Students scheduled to take three or more final examinations on one day may request to arrange their examination schedule, so no more than two exams occur on one day.
Requests for early or late exams are considered only under extreme circumstances. Prior to the exam period, the student must file a written request on the Early/Late Exam Form available in the Student One Stop Center, Academic Records, and on the WC portal. The form must be signed by the Instructor and the Academic Dean, approving the alternate exam time. This process must be completed prior to the scheduled exam period.

Undergraduate:  FA26 Final Exam Schedule    

 

Out-of-class Work Expectation

A minimum of 2 hours of out-of-class student work is expected for each hour of in-class time for traditional face-to-face courses. For online and hybrid courses, the combination of face-to-face time and out-of-class work should be equal to 3 hours per credit hour per week.

Instructional Course Delivery                                                                                                            

Definition of Courses

Academic Integrity Policy

The use of generative AI is prohibited except where expressly allowed in assignment instructions.

Academic Integrity Policy

Class Attendance Policy                              

Institutional Class Attendance Policy