Psychology 329

Research Methods in Psychology

Course Description

This course serves to acquaint students with the theories and techniques of psychological research in both field and laboratory settings. We will address the entire process of conducting research from the development of hypotheses to the design of an experiment, the analysis of data, and finally, writing an APA style report.

Statistical analysis is an integral part of research. We will review and apply important statistical concepts to the methods we learn throughout the course. Our emphasis will not be on the computation of statistical tests. Rather, it will be on knowing which analyses are appropriate for a given research design.

Regular attendance is highly encouraged as lectures will not always cover the same material as the reading. This holds even more for the activity sessions, because they are where we will discuss topics relevant to your research paper.

General Information

Texts

Zechmeister, J. S., Zechmeister, E. B., & Shaughnessy J. J. (2001). Essentials of research methods in psychology. Boston: McGraw-Hill.

Szuchman, Lenore T. (2001). Writing with style: APA Style made easy (2nd Ed.). Canada: Wadsworth/Thompson Learning.

• Dr. Debra Valencia-Laver, dlvalenc@calpoly.edu
• Office: Faculty Office Building, 21R
• Phone: 756-1603
• Office Hours: Mondays 7-8 pm; Wednesdays 2-3 pm, 7-8 pm; Fridays10-11 am, or by appointment

Homework

Three homework assignments will be given in this course. Each assignment will be worth 20 points. All assignments should be legible (typed, double-spaced, with one-inch margins unless otherwise noted). Assignments turned in by the next class session following the due date will be worth 90% of the original point total. Assignments submitted more than one lecture past due will be worth 75% of the original point total. The three homework assignments contribute a combined maximum of 60 points towards each student's grand total.

Research Project

This course requires one research paper written in APA style on a topic of each student's choosing. Each student will generate their own research question, conduct library research on previous work in the area, and conduct an actual study to investigate the question. This paper will be due on Monday, March 18 and is worth 75 points. Papers submitted after the due date will be worth 90% of the original point total.

For more information on the research project, click here.

Concept Checks

There will 6 Concept Checks that will occur at various, unscheduled times throughout the quarter. These will be worth 5 points each with 25 points maximum counted towards your grade.These will be graded on an all-or-none basis with no make ups allowed.

Examinations

There will be one Midterm on Friday, February 15 worth 50 points. The Final Exam, on Friday, March 15, will be non-cumulative and is also worth 50 points.

Grading

Final grades in this course will be based on a maximum of 260 points distributed as follows:
 

Homework	60 points
Research Paper	75 points
Concept Checks	25 points
Midterm	50 points
Final Exam	50 points
Total	260 points

The following fixed schedule will be used to determine final grades:
 

A	243 pts.	B:	217 pts.	C:	191 pts.	D:	165 pts.
A-:	234 pts.	B-:	208 pts.	C-:	182 pts.	D-:	156 pts.
B+:	225 pts.	C+:	199 pts.	D+:	173 pts.	F:	<156 pts.