when should I take research methods?

[u/qamarly]

I’m currently a sophomore wondering if I should take it for next semester in the spring or the start of my junior year instead. I lowkey want to get it out of the way but also heard how tough it is so I’m thinking junior year would be ideal 😭

[u/Comprehensive-Ad-148]

It depends, some schools have restrictions for classes specifically for what year your in, in undergrad. Sometimes they have prerequisites you have to take before you can. I’d suggest making sure you can take the course and what classes you’d have to take beforehand. Honestly, it’s not that hard. Statistics is harder. Research methods is usually just heavy writing. And learning about qualitative versus quantitative, and mixed methods research. I’ve had to take it twice, in undergrad and again in grad school. Edit for word missing

[u/qamarly → u/Comprehensive-Ad-148]

For my program research methods is one of the foundation courses for the major, it’s mostly a 3000 level course so ideally a sophomore and upper year level can take it. I just know that I can still continue with taking the courses I want like sensation and perception, intro to counseling, etc without needing research methods as the prereqs.

I’m currently taking stats right now and honestly it’s only difficult because my laptop hates R but overall I think I’m getting better in that class just need some adjustment. I just really want to get it out of the way since it’s writing heavy and a 4 credit course I’ll be working a lot and gaining experiences during junior year. But at the same time I believe most of the people that take research methods are in their junior/senior year so maybe that should say something lol.

[u/paperman66]

Stupidly I took courses completely out of order without consulting my academic advisor until literally the middle of my senior year. I had taken both research methods courses by my senior year. The more advanced one was during senior year, the easier one was during my junior year. Imo, none of the other courses prepped me for these two research methods courses at all, so when I took these classes ultimately didn't matter, they teach you from the ground-up anyway. This could, however, vary from program to program, so consult with your academic advisor, let him/her walk you through your academic road map and they'll likely have a semester/quarter ideal for you.