Applying Research Methods is designed to introduce students to the concept of "applied research" as used by the Master's program, and helps students learn to apply this concept both to problem-solving on the job and to the documentation of such problem-solving for graduate academic credit. Through the application of this model, and through consideration of various kinds of research methods and related data, students in this colloquium use all of the Liberal Learning Skills at some level. The colloquium focuses, however, on the skills associated with Criterion I (" the capacity to engage in self-directed, active learning"), Criterion II ("the ability to frame and solve problems"), and Criterion IV ("a facility in basic communications modes," especially writing). Because the colloquium pushes traditional ideas about academic research into on-the-job applications, borrowing from the organizational development and action research models of Lewin and others, students also develop skills appropriate to Professional Mastery Criterion II ("the ability to engage in modes of research appropriate to a profession"). Finally, the colloquium highlights the program's definition of graduate level work, and demonstrates its application through use of Assessment Contracts.

The colloquium is not designed to make students experts in specific research methods nor to prescribe methods which the program finds "acceptable." Rather, it introduces students to research design issues at the graduate level; provides them with resources for further inquiry into methodologies which may be appropriate for their professional areas; and gives them skills to evaluate the research of others.