PSYC 235: Research Methods in Psychology - Employees Csbsju

PSYC 235: Research Methods in Psychology
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University
Linda R. Tennison, Ph.D.
Peter Engel Hall 127
(320) 363-2084
email: ltennison@csbsju.edu
http://employees.csbsju.edu/ltennison
Course Description
Objectives
Basic design and interpretation of empirical approaches to
psychology. Emphasis on theory and practice of psychological
experimentation and writing scientific reports.
Over the course of the semester you will learn to:
1. … critically evaluate scientific research and scientific writing.
2. … design and conduct psychological research, both independently and
collaboratively.
3. … select appropriate participants, measures, and statistical tools to
evaluate scientific hypotheses.
4. … learn to communicate the results of psychological research in proper
APA format for publication and presentation at professional meetings.
5. … learn and abide by all ethical principles of the APA regarding
scientific research.
6. … explore your own interests in psychology and develop a research
proposal in your area of interest.
Schedule of Topics
A detailed calendar is available online
SECTION TEXTBOOK READING ASSESSMENT
ALL Sections
SECTION #1
Basics of Science
Descriptive and
Relational Research
SECTION #2
Experimental Designs
SECTION #3
Complex Designs
Chapters 9 and 14: Statistics and APA Writing
Chapter 1: The Science of Psychology
Chapter 2: Ideas, Critiques, Hypotheses
Chapter 3: Ethics
Chapter 4: Non-Experimental Methods I
Chapter 5: Non-Experimental Methods II
Chapter 6: Experimental Research I
Chapter 7: Experimental Research II
Chapter 8: Internal and External Validity
Chapter 10: Two Group Designs
Chapter 11: More Than Two Groups
Chapter 12: Multi-Factor Designs
Chapter 13: Alternative Designs
SECTION TEST #1
PAPER #1
SECTION TEST #2
PAPER #2
ORAL PRESENTATIONS
SECTION TEST #3
PAPER #3
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
FINAL
Putting it all together… All Chapters CUMULATIVE FINAL EXAM

Requirements and
Grading
REQUIRED TEXTS
Smith, R.A. & Davis, S.F. (2007). The psychologist as detective (4th ed.). Upper
Saddle River: Prentice Hall.
Additional readings as assigned by the instructor.
EXAMS
There will be three section tests and one cumulative final exam. Each section test
will be worth a maximum of 50 points and will consist of identification, multiple
choice and essay questions covering information presented in the assigned readings
and class discussion.
The cumulative final exam will be similar to the section tests, both in format and in
point value, but will be optional for those who are satisfied with their grades based
upon the section tests. If you choose to take the final it WILL count in your overall
grade.
All section tests and the final exam must be taken at the times that they are scheduled.
There will be a 10% per day rescheduling penalty (whether late or early). Exceptions
to this policy will be made only for unavoidable conflicts or emergencies. Please
plan accordingly.
PAPERS AND
PRESENTATIONS
You will complete three APA format papers during the course of the semester. The
first will report the results of survey research that we will conduct as a large group.
The second will describe a simple experiment that you will design and conduct in
small groups. The third will be a research proposal that you will develop and design
independently. Carefully note below which papers may be written collaboratively
and which must be written independently.
Paper #1: Survey Research: APA format paper
- operationally define key variable(s)
- select sample
- reduce data - descriptive statistics
- select correlation
- individually complete proper APA format single experiment paper
Paper #2: Simple Experiment: APA format paper and oral presentations
- design single factor, two level experiment
- test hypothesis
- collaboratively complete proper APA format single experiment paper
- collaboratively prepare and present convention-style talk
Paper #3: Research Proposal/Factorial Design: APA format paper and posters
- design two-factor experiment
- plan all methodologies in advance
- individually complete proper APA format research proposal
- individually prepare and present convention-style poster
All papers must be in proper APA format, which will be covered in extensive detail in
lab. Late papers will be penalized 10% for each day past the due date that they are
submitted (including the weekends!). Early papers will be gladly accepted.
Scoring rubrics and additional instructions will be provided during lab. Complete,
properly-formatted drafts will be reviewed by the instructor as time allows.

LAB ACTIVITIES
FINAL GRADING
ACADEMIC VALUES
RESPONSIBILITIES
OF STUDENTS AND
INSTRUCTOR
You will be expected to come prepared to fully participate in all laboratory activities.
Failure to attend laboratory meetings or attending without adequate preparation (i.e.
not completing out of class assignments, not reading supplemental materials, etc) will
lead to a 5% reduction in your lab grade each time you are missing or underprepared.
Preparation may be tested by pop quizzes or by other assessment
techniques at the discretion of the instructor. Because lab activities are typically
group activities it will not be possible to make up these sessions or the points
associated with them.
Your final grade will be determined by an equal weighting of lecture and laboratory
performance. Lecture performance will be assessed by exam scores; lab performance
will be assessed by scores earned on papers and presentations (minus participation
penalties). Standard grading criteria for total points earned (e.g. 93%+ = A; 88-92%
= AB, etc.) will be applied at the end of the semester.
In order to progress, the scientific community requires an environment of trust. I
expect you to be a responsible member of this community at all times. No violation
of this trust will be tolerated. Academic misconduct includes (but is not limited to)
cheating, lying, altering data, copying papers, buying papers, taking papers off the
internet, or plagiarism of any other form (including excessively close paraphrasing).
Specific penalties for academic misconduct are determined by the instructor in
consultation with the Academic Dean and range from receiving an F on the specific
activity to expulsion from the college.
Research Methods is a high energy class, both for students and for instructors. It is
work intensive and the material is not always easy. Having said all of this, Research
Methods is probably the most important class for psychology students to take. It
teaches you how to have a scientific attitude, sharpens your ability to communicate
(both orally and in writing), and enhances your critical thinking and analytical
reasoning skills. In short - it teaches you the skills that you need to understand the
published psychological literature and to conduct your own original research. It may
be hard work, but Research Methods is a class that will empower you!
It is my job to direct your learning and to provide feedback along the way. It is your
job to take responsibility for your learning by diligently attending class meetings,
completing assigned work in and out of class, and trying your hardest. If you are
having difficulties please come see me early and often. Your learning is ultimately up
to you - but I will gladly do what I can to help you succeed.