Qualifying Research Paper
WHAT IS A QRP?
Students planning further graduate study in the future are advised to consider completing a Qualifying Research Paper (QRP). A QRP is a requirement for admission into a doctoral program when the applicant has not completed a master’s thesis. A completed QRP demonstrates that the applicant is capable of conducting research and writing at the level required. There is no length requirement. QRPs may be completed in conjunction with a research placement (see Research Options sheet for details on research placements). It is important to note that the QRP may not meet graduate studies admission standards outside of OISE since conventions vary among institutions. Although some of our recent graduates were accepted into reputable Ph.D. programs in Canada and the U.S., a formal thesis may be required to meet the minimum admission standards of some universities.
QRP DEADLINE:
While it is recommended that QRPs are completed during your time in the program, this is not required. There is no actual completion deadline. It’s possible to complete a QRP after graduating from the program.
QRP - ELECTIVE OPTIONS:
QRP - Required Course
HDP1287H Introduction to Applied Statistics
Students completing a QRP who have not studied stats at the undergrad level must take this course, or the equivalent.
QRP - Advised Electives
HDP1209H Research Methods and Thesis Preparation in AP&HD (formerly HDAP)
HDP2252H Individual Reading and Research
Note: PhD programs considering applications generally like to see that that the candidate has completed a stats course and research methods course. We recommend that students take the research methods course and then the stats course if it’s logistically possible. Be aware, though, that each PhD program is different. You may be required to take an additional stats course on top of other courses in your doctoral program when the time comes. It’s generally possible to do so in the summer prior to entering the doctoral program or to take the stats course concurrently.
QRP – SUGGESTED TIMELINES:
Year-1:
- Elect HDP1287H Introduction to Applied Statistics, or an equivalent course, if you have not studied statistics at the undergraduate level (mandatory)
- Elect HDP1209H, Research Methods and Thesis Preparation, typically taken in Term 2 (not mandatory, but recommended to those with little knowledge of research methods)
- Students with prior background in empirical research (including statistics, measurement, and research design) should begin to identify a research question/proposal in the Fall of their first year. Students are encouraged to attend the research groups of AP&HD faculty whose research interests them and to select a research topic that relates to one of these areas of ongoing research.
- The QRP proposal should be complete by the end of Term 2.
- Identify a supervisor and second reader by the end of Year 1.
- Note: Each full-time member of the Jackman ICS staff is committed to supervising two QRPs per year. Other AP&HD staff (and other graduate school staff at OISE/UT) can also supervise QRPs, but they have no obligation to do so. A list of AP&HD faculty members’ research interests is available on the AP&HD website. You can “search expertise by issue” – see link on home page.
- Research Ethics form should be submitted by the end of Term 2
Year 2:
- Students may opt to elect HDP2252H Individual Reading and Research – Specialized study, under the direction of a faculty member, focusing upon topics that are of particular interest to the student but are not included in available courses. While credit is not given for a thesis investigation proper, the study may be closely related to such a topic.
- Submit QRP thesis to supervisor if complete
QRP-RELATED COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
HDP1209H - Research Methods and Thesis Preparation in Human Development & Applied Psychology
This course reviews foundational skills necessary for the successful completion of the MA thesis. The primary goals will be to develop: the ability to draw valid conclusions from quantitative evidence; the ability to critique published research articles; the ability to conduct a well designed piece of research; the ability to write up that research in a format appropriate for a journal article or thesis. The course deals with research methods, the conceptual foundations of statistics, and the preparation of a thesis/research report. The aim is to try to integrate these three things (research methods, the interpretation of statistics, and thesis/journal article preparation).
HDP1287H - Introduction to Applied Statistics
This course provides an introduction to quantitative methods of inquiry and a foundation for more advanced courses in applied statistics for students in education and social sciences. The course covers univariate and bivariate descriptive statistics; an introduction to sampling, experimental design and statistical inference; contingency tables and Chi-square; t-test, analysis of variance, and regression. Students will learn to use SPSS software. At the end of the course, students should be able to define and use the descriptive and inferential statistics taught in this course to analyze real data and to interpret the analytical results. Note: Students who have previously taken CTL2004 are prohibited from taking this course.
HDP2252H - Individual Reading and Research in Human Development and Applied Psychology: Master's Level
Specialized study, under the direction of a staff member, focusing upon topics that are of particular interest to the student but are not included in available courses. While credit is not given for a thesis investigation proper, the study may be closely related to such a topic.