PSY 290 - Research Methods and Applications

 
Description
This course explores scientific research methodology of the behavioral sciences covering descriptive, correlational, quasi-experimental, experimental, single IV, basic factorial and single case designs. The scientific method is used to study group and individual attitudes and behavior. Topics include research ethics, establishing construct plus internal and external validity, sampling techniques, research error, control of variables and data analysis by statistical methods. Students also study methods of conducting a literature review, generating ideas and hypotheses, collecting, grouping, analyzing and reporting research findings, experience running labs and debriefing “live” subjects.

1. Retrieve materials from research journals and other sources of scientific research.
2. Define the various kinds of research methods/designs employed in behavioral science studies and ethical principles of research.
3. Analyze methods of maintaining validity and manipulating variables plus analyzing data.
4. Write research proposals and reports using the accepted journal format.
5. Describe ways to address deceptions and abdications in research.

1. Goals and limitations of research
2. Library and other informational tools to develop a literature review
3. Research designs
4. Sampling
5. Construct validity, external validity, internal validity and reliability
6. Experimental control measures
7. Hypothesis formulation
8. Research error
9. Hypothesis testing
10. The formal proposal and report
11. Ethical principles of research
12. Running experiments and debriefing subjects

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Information Literacy
• Communication

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