205: Research Methods in Psychology

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course provides an introduction to psychological research techniques and methodology. Topics to be covered include the logic of research, the issues that must be considered in deciding how to study various psychological phenomena, and ways to address the difficulties posed by the limitations of specific studies. Ways for assessing threats to the internal and external validity of studies will be examined. These issues will be illustrated through reference to the examples of research on various topics in psychology. In addition to lectures and readings, students will participate actively in the design and analysis of three research projects. Students will also learn to write research reports in the style used by research psychologists.

PREREQUISITES:

Psychology 201 (statistics) or equivalent.

EVALUATION:

Grades will be based on three laboratory reports, three exams (2 midterms and an optional final) and satisfactory completion of homework.

READING LIST:

Leary, M. R. (2007) Introduction to Behavioral Research Methods, Fifth Edition Allyn and Bacon, Needham Heights, MA.

(available used, for 90 day rent, as a 180 day ebook, or for purchase. Prices range from $50 to $150. Implication? Search the web). (The sixth edition is aslo available on the web.)
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Fifth Edition. (suggested but not required)
See also the APA style crib sheet available from the Psych Web project of Russ Dewey

The text is used to supplement the examples of research given in class. Although the class lectures are not based upon the text, the readings will form an important part of class discussion and should be completed before class.

Thought problems from the current research and popular literature will be introduced at the beginning of most classes to focus discussion on particular problems of research design and interpretation.

Laboratory experience in analyzing data will be offered in my lab in Swift/Cresap Hall (Cresap 109). The use of computers in psychological research will be emphasized and students will be able to access supplementary materials available on departmental and off campus file servers. Although prior experience with computers is not necessary, the use of computers will be emphasized, particularly for data analysis. Supplementary material will be available from the detailed outline available on the web. Note that the links on this outline will change to reflect the specific results for that class day. You should plan on consulting the detailed syllabus before each class.

Papers 1 and 2 will be based upon data collected and analyzed in class. Paper 3 will be based upon an experiment designed and conducted individually. Before conducting the study 3, you will need to have discussed your proposal with the instructor.

Requirements and methods of evaluation:

• Two research papers reporting on studies done in class. To be written in APA style .
• Two midterm exams that will cover the various methods and specific examples of classic studies discussed in class and in the readings Sample questions will be distributed before the exams.
• A final research project that will include a review of the relevant literature, an experimental test of an hypothesis, and a discussion of the experimental results. The data collection and some analysis will be performed out of class. To be written in APA style .
• A final exam that will cover the basic concepts of the course. (This final is optional and will be weighted equally with the other exams and projects.
• Class and discussion group participation. This is a class on research methods and theories. It is necessary for all members of the class to participate in proposing alternative models and evaluating the theories presented. This may be done in class discussion, as well as extraclass interaction. Computerized conferencing will be used as well. Email discussion with the instructor and teaching assistant is strongly encouraged.