Introduction to methods used in conducting research on human behavior. Experimental research
emphasized, but course covers other methods and some statistics. This course provides a
fundamental understanding of major issues in designing, analyzing, and publishing research.
Students will learn about the ethical principles of research including what is and what is not possible
in human psychological research, and different research approaches. (Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 &
Statistics)
At the end of this course, you should be able to:
Create testable hypotheses and design a study to these hypotheses
Frame the problem with the correct research methodology
Collect data that accurately addresses the research questions
Use data to make decisions
Read and critically evaluate empirical research papers as an informed, critical consumer
Demonstrate writing skills by drafting a research proposal in APA format
Understand what is necessary for ethical scientific research
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of research designs
Develop abilities to work as part of a research team
Lewandowski, G. W., Ciarocco, N. J., & Strohmetz, D. B. (2019). Discovering the scientist within:
Research methods in psychology. (3rd edition). Macmillan Learning.
[Optional] other supplementary materials from
Jhangiani, R. S., Chiang, I. C. A., Cuttler, C., & Leighton, D. C. (2019). Research methods in
psychology. (4th edition) Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
Morling, B. (2021). Research methods in psychology (4th edition). New York: Norton. ISBN:
978-0-393-89370-0
Pajo, B (2022). Introduction to Research Methods: A Hands-on Approach Second Edition,
Los Angeles, CA: Sage.
[Optional] free online textbooks for statistics
https://onlinestatbook.com/index.html
https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/559
(https://ethanweed.github.io/pythonbook/landingpage.htm)
https://ethanweed.github.io/pythonbook/landingpage.htm
Assessment of Learning
Lecture Attendance 100 points (10%)
In-Class
Activity/Homework
100 points (10%)
Three Article Quizzes 150 points (15%)
50 points each * 3Ed Discussion 100 points (10%)
Lab Assignments/Project 200 points (20%)
Exam 1 100 points (10%)
Exam 2 100 points (10%)
Final 150 points (15%)
Total Points 1000 points (100%)
For each section, the earned points will be
proportionally converted based on the rubric's
weighting. For instance, if you earn 95 out of 100
possible scores for lab assignments/projects, this
score will be scaled to 190 out of 200 points
according to the rubric.
LECTURE ATTENDANCE: From past experience teaching various courses, we hav
LECTURE ATTENDANCE: From past experience teaching various courses, we have found a strong
statistical relationship between class attendance and overall course performance. To that end,
attendance will be counted as a small part of the course grade to help students perform better
overall.
Beginning on the second week of class, attendance will be taken at all lecture sessions. To receive
points, students are expected to arrive on time and stay for the entire class period. Arriving
late, leaving class early, or acting in a disruptive manner during class will forfeit the points.
Students must attend the lecture for which they are officially registered to earn attendance points.
This attendance policy is designed to promote class participation; therefore, no makeups will be
permitted under any circumstances, and no absences will be classified as "excused" without official
documentation. However, to accommodate valid reasons for missing class, students can still earn
full attendance points even with up to two absences without documentation.
Attendance will be strictly monitored, and points for a session will be annulled for the entire class if
the number of respondents exceeds the total number of students present on that day, so please do
not have another student sign in for you, and do not sign in for another student.
Class disruptions of ANY kind will NOT be tolerated and may result in your removal from the
classroom and/or loss of participation points for that day. Please show courtesy to your fellowclassmates and instructor or teaching assistant by adhering to the following class rules:
• Come to class on time and stay for the entire class period.
• Refrain from conversing with your fellow students.
• Put awa
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Social Sciences area.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in
foundational academic areas. This course will help students master course content, and support
students’ broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
How do I understand human experiences and connections?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome:
Students will effectively analyze the complexity of human behavior, and how historical,
economic, political, social, or geographic relationships develop, persist, or change.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following
Career-Ready Competencies:
Intercultural Competence
Perspective-Taking