Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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PSY 290 - Research Methods and Applications


Credits: 4
4 Lecture Hours

Prerequisites: PSY 270  

 
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.


Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

  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.
Listed Topics
  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
Reference Materials
current text, internet
Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals:
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
  • Information Literacy
  • Communication
Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 10/11/2019


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