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.

Text

Leary, M. R. (2011) Introduction to Behavioral Research Methods, Sixth 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 $202. In addition, the 5th edition overlaps a great deal with the 6th edition and is an alternative option. Implication? Search the web)
Although the official Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Sixth Edition, is frequently suggested for this course but is not necessary. It is probably more useful to follow the rules discussed in 'Doc Scribe's APA Lite' or even some of the APA's own website for what you really need to write papers for this class. See also the APA style blog .
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.

Unlike most of the other sections of 205, we will use the powerful statistical system R for our data analysis. We will not use SPSS. My students and I use R (as do active researchers at many other universities) because it provides access to new development in statistical analysis. We will take advantage of the power of R and the psych package in R which was developed specifically for psychological research.

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.This will include the lecture notes for each class. 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 will be based upon data collected and analyzed in class. Paper 2 will be based upon a computer simulation of an experiment based upon real data that will provide unique data for each student. 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. (October 12th and November 14th). 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. I will be available to help you analyze your data. All papers are 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. Discussion groups, and review groups with your classmates are encouraged.