View Descriptor

Introductory Psychology (C-ID PSY 110)

Elementary Statistics (ANOVA included) (C-ID MATH 110 or C-ID SOCI 125)

English Composition (C-ID ENGL 100)

1. Introduction
   1. Scientific and nonscientific approaches to knowledge
   2. Dependent and independent variables
   3. Validity and reliability
   4. Scientific method and its goals
   5. Causal and correlational relationships
   6. Samples and sampling methods
   7. Theoretical and operational definitions
   8. Selection of appropriate statistical tests (chi-square, correlation, t-tests, ANOVA)
   9. Evaluating peer-reviewed literature
   10. APA format
2. Ethical Issues in the Conduct of Psychological Research
   1. APA ethical standards
   2. Risk/benefit ratio of research
   3. Use of deception in research
   4. Human and animal subject use
3. Descriptive Methods — Observation and Survey Research
   1. Observational techniques and rationale
   2. Reactivity, demand characteristics, observer bias, expectancy effects, and other biases
   3. Theories, research questions, hypotheses
   4. Interpretation and limits of correlational data
   5. Levels of measurement
4. Unobtrusive Measures of Behavior (physical trace methods, archival research methods, content analysis)
5. Experimental Methods —
   1. Independent Group Designs
   2. Repeated Measures Designs
   3. Reasons to use and limitations of experimental methods
   4. Counterbalancing and practice effects
   5. Main effects and interaction effects using both table and graph methods
6. Other Research Designs —
   1. Single-Case Research Design
   2. Quasi-Experimental Designs
7. Program Evaluation
   1. Characteristics of true experiments and quasi-experiments

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Explain the basic principles of the scientific method.
2. Critically evaluate research reports.
3. Synthesize a body of research findings.
4. Develop and test hypotheses.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of general research designs, experimental and non-experimental methods, and standard research practices.
6. Select appropriate research designs to test hypotheses.
7. Explain the ethical treatment of human and animal participants in research and the institutional requirements for conducting research.
8. Assess the generalizability of study results.
9. Demonstrate proficiency in APA style

In-class quizzes, written assignments in APA format (required), paper assignments, and class participation

Smith, R.A. & Davis, S.  The Psychologist as Detective: An Introduction to Conducting Research in Psychology Prentice Hall Inc.

Cozby, Methods in Behavioral Research

Elmes, D. G.,  Kantowitz, B. H., & Roediger,H. L. III Research Methods in Psychology Wadsworth Publishing

American Psychological Association (latest edition) Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.