RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGYSPRING 2004
|
||||||
|
||||||
|
Summary and Course Objectives This is an
introductory course in research methods in Psychology. This is perhaps
the most important course you will take in Psychology. In this course
you will be learning about four basic themes: (a) How to conduct top notch
research (b) How to evaluate the research of others (c) How to make sense of
statistical analyses and (d) How to communicate your results in APA style.
This class will be taught in a lecture / discussion format.
Some of the topics we discuss might get a little complicated, so please ask
questions. That's the best way to learn. In addition to lectures,
the class will also involve group discussions, statistical work, and class
research projects of various kinds. Materials and 1.
Shaughnessy et al.(2003). Research
Methods in Psychology. (6th Ed.) 2.
Other readings as assigned 3.
Blue books for midterm exams 4. Green scantron sheets (FORM NO 882-ES) and number 2 pencil for quizzes Requirements & GradeResearch
Summaries(15%): You will be writing regular
summaries of published research throughout the semester. We will grade these summaries using a 3
point scale. Your end of semester research summary grade will be the
percentage of points you earned out of the total possible points. Quick Quiz(15%):
Five short 15-item multiple-choice quizzes will be given. The quizzes
will be based entirely on the information covered in the book. Bring a
scantron and number 2 pencil on days that we have quizzes. Quizzes will
be given at the start of class and you will have exactly 15 minutes to take
each quiz. Make sure you're on time so that you will have plenty of
time to take the quiz. Exams(20%): Two
semester exams will be given based entirely over information covered in the
lectures. Semester exams may include definitions, essay questions,
interpreting statistical results, and / or APA style exercises. Bring a blue book on exam days. TMRs(25%): One of
the main goals of the class is for you to become familiar with the writing of
APA style research papers. A standard research paper is made up of (a)
a title page (b) an abstract (c) an introduction (d) a methods section (e) a
results section (f) a general discussion (g) a reference section (h) graphs
tables and so on. In order to help you master these sections you will
be asked to write the title page, methods section and results section for a number
of class research projects (i.e. TMRs). All written work must be typed,
double spaced, in 12 point font. Final Project(25%):
Your end of the semester project will be to write a complete APA style
research report on the class's final research project. You must make
good use of the five references we cover in class. Again, all written work
must be typed, double spaced, in 12 point font. |
Attendance Requirement: Grades will be
based on a weighted average of the preceding requirements. In addition, attendance will be taken with an
attendance sheet at the start of every class. For every unexcused absence you
will lose 2 full points from your end of semester grade. It is your responsibility to make
sure you have signed the attendance sheet or you will lose points. Grades will be distributed on the
following scale: 90-100 (A); 80-90 (B); 70-80 (C); 60-70 (D); 0-60 (F).
Class
Policies
Make Up Exams/Quizzes: No make up exams
or quizzes will be given without a written excuse (e.g. a written medical excuse)
or prior approval. If make up exams need to be taken, they will be given
during the final week of the semester. Due
Dates:
Assignments will be collected during the class period on the date they are
due. Any assignment turned in after
class but on the assigned date will be penalized 10 percentage points. Any assignment turned in the next day will
be penalized 30 percentage points. Any assignment that is more than two days
late will receive a score of zero. Exceptions to this policy will be
made only in the most extreme of cases and with written documentation. Due
Date of Final Paper: The final paper is due on May 3rd at Inclement
Weather Policy: I
will hold class on any day that the university is open. However, in the
case of severe weather, you should exercise your own best judgment in
deciding whether you can get here safely. If you can't safely get to
the university on an exam day due to severe weather please call the
Psychology Department (5-4256) and leave a message for Dr. Lampinen or email
Dr. Lampinen. Academic
Integrity:
University policies regarding academic honesty will be strictly enforced in
this class. It is your responsibility to familiarize
yourself with these policies and to follow them (see below ). Pay
particular attention to the policy on plagiarism as plagiarism is not limited
to word for word copying of another's work. You are expected to
complete all assignments for this class independently unless the assignment
specifically states otherwise.
|
|||||
