Course Summary

Psychological Science 680
Graduate Research Methods
Dr. Whitley

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Textbook

 

Whitley, B. E., Jr. (2002). Principles of research in behavioral science (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Goals

 

The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to 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 Outline

PART I: INTRODUCTION

• Course Introduction
• Theories and Research
• Research Strategies

PART II: FOUNDATIONS OF RESEARCH

• Research Ethics
• Formulating Research Questions
• Measurement
• Internal Validity

PART III: RESEARCH STRATEGIES

• Experiments
• Quasi-Experiments
• Correlational Research
• Single-Case Research

PART IV: COLLECTING AND INTERPRETING DATA

• Survey Research
• Evaluation Research
• Interpreting Research Results
• Generalizability
• Integrative Literature Reviews

Grading

Tests

 

There are four tests: three tests during the semester worth 50 points each and a comprehensive final exam worth 60 points. Each test during the semester contains both multiple choice and short answer questions; the final is composed entirely of short answer questions.

 

Term Paper

 

Students write a paper in the form of a research proposal. Details are on a separate page.

 

Final Grades

 

I use the plus/minus grading system, but I do not assign grades of D+ or D-.

 

I use the web gradebook to provide feedback to students.

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Last Modified: 20 July 2002