|
Psychology 500: Techniques in Research
and Program Evaluation
Course
Overview
This course provides advanced coverage of research principles
and methods for graduate students in psychology. It is assumed
that all students have completed undergraduate courses in research
design and introductory statistics. The purpose of this course
is to explore in greater depth the research methods used in
psychology. The focus will be on the psychologist as both producer
and consumer of research, covering such topics as the criteria
for valid and reliable research and the advantages and disadvantages
of different research strategies.
Course Goals
Upon completing this course, students will be able to:
• Write in APA style
• Write a research proposal
• Critically read and analyze reports of social science
research
• Use bibliographical resources to find psychology literature
relevant to a particular topic
• Compare and contrast common research designs
• Identify which statistical analyses are appropriate for
each research design
Required Readings
American Psychological Association (2001). Publication manual
of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.). Washington,
DC: Author.
American Psychological Association (2002). Ethical principles
of psychologists and code of conduct. Retrieve from http://www.apa.org/ethics.
Holosko, M. J. (2006). Primer for critiquing social research:
A student guide. Belmont, CA: Thomson.
Whitley, B. E. (2002). Principles of research in behavioral science
(2nd ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.
Components of the Course
Term Paper and Presentation (200 points)
Each student will complete a term paper in the form of a modified
research proposal. A research proposal is a detailed description
of the justification for a research project and the methods to
be used in carrying it out. This paper differs from the usual
research proposal in two ways: (1) students propose two ways of
testing a single hypothesis, each using a different research strategy;
and (2) students compare and contrast the two strategies that
they choose. More specific information about this assignment can
be found in the project handout.
This project has a number of components and intermediate deadlines
that must be met before the final product is turned in. Thus,
students initially submit their work in sections; I give feedback
on each section and students rewrite them for the final paper.
More details about the term paper are described in a separate
handout.
Each student will also present his/her research proposal to the
class in a 12-minute presentation structured like that of a professional
conference presentation. This will give you a chance to hear about
your colleagues’ research and to obtain feedback from your
colleagues about your research. It will also give you experience
and practice making an oral presentation of a research paper.
You can receive bonus points for great presentations and for providing
good ideas to presenters. You can lose points for giving poor
presentations and for being an apathetic audience member.
Article Outlines and Critiques (75 points)
Students will be responsible for outlining and critiquing three
empirical journal articles. Do not select review articles (i.e.,
the type of articles in Psychological Bulletin) for this assignment.
That is, the articles you choose should contain data; they should
have introduction, method, results, and discussion sections. The
articles must be from scholarly sources, not popular magazines
or the Web. Hand in a copy of your article with your outline/critique.
More information about this assignment can be found in a separate
handout. Each outline/critique is worth 25 points, for a total
of 75 points toward your final grade.
Exercises and Assignments (25 points)
Periodically throughout the semester there will be in-class exercises
and/or brief homework assignments. Homework assignments must be
completed by the beginning of class (should be typed unless otherwise
instructed). These exercises and assignments are graded as ‘”credit/no
credit” and cumulatively will be worth 25 points toward
your final grade.
Exams (200 points)
There will be two open-book exams: a midterm and a final. Exams
will consist of short answer questions, problems, and essays.
Test items will be taken from lectures, class activities, readings,
and homework. You may use any written resources you wish to help
you in answering these questions. However, the answers you produce
must be a result of your own thinking and analysis, without assistance
from anyone else. Each exam is worth 100 points, for a total of
200 points toward your final grade.
Policies
Attendance
Because your input is critical to the success of the course,
attendance is mandatory. Be sure to come to all classes prepared
and on time. Please be considerate of your classmates and me by
not coming in late. If you become ill or miss class for any reason,
please contact me to make arrangements.
Reading Assignments
Reading assignments should be completed by the date listed on
the course outline. Lectures and classroom activities assume that
you have read the material.
Late Assignments and Makeup Exams
I do not accept late assignments or give makeup exams unless
you make prior arrangements with me and only in cases of genuine
and documented health and family emergencies.
Writing Quality
Graduate level writing is clear, thorough, focused, provides
specific examples to support positions taken, and shows originality
of thought. It is founded in scholarly research, properly cites
resources, and minimizes quotations (APA frowns on direct quotes,
so it is best to make sure you have put someone else’s idea
entirely into your own words). Work must be proofread for spelling,
punctuation, and grammar. Do not rely solely on your computer
to tell you if a word is misspelled or incorrect grammar is used.
Papers in this class are formal, polished papers and should have
no silly mistakes.
All papers and assignments must be printed out and stapled prior
to the beginning of the class period in which they are due.
|
