Research Methods in Psychology (205-0-23)
Instructors
Yinyuan Zheng
Jose De Jesus Sotelo
Meeting Info
Technological Institute MG51: Mon, Wed 12:30PM - 1:50PM
Overview of class
This goal of this course is to introduce you to the various methods psychologists use to create groundbreaking psychological research. Through readings, lectures, discussion, and hands-on activities, you will learn about the scientific approach to research designs, analysis, interpretation of data, and scholarly writing. In addition, you will learn to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different designs, contemplate the ethics of psychological research, and become critical consumers of science. During the term, you will also have the opportunity to become psychological researchers by testing your own hypotheses, designing and conducting novel research projects, and disseminating (i.e., communicating) your research via written and oral reports. You will be assessed on 3 papers, quizzes, discussion posts, and a final group presentation.
Registration Requirements
Students must have taken PSYCH 201 with a C- or higher, STAT 202 with a B or higher, or STAT 210 with a B or higher before enrolling in PSYCH 205. Students with AP credit for STAT 202 or AP credit for STAT 210 need to contact psych-advising@u.northwestern.edu about permission to enroll, because CAESAR does not automatically accept that as the prerequisite.
Please see the department website for more information.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
• distinguish between basic types of research designs
• critique peer-reviewed journal articles by identifying the major methodological strengths and weaknesses
• efficiently use databases (e.g., Google Scholar, PsychINFO) in search for academic articles and sources
• design and conduct simple studies to test hypotheses about human behavior
• analyze data through the free statistical software "Jamovi" to (a) summarize data using graphs and some basic descriptive statistics; and (b) evaluate simple hypotheses using basic inferential statistics
• write a clear, coherent scientific research paper from beginning to end in APA style
• communicate your research.
Evaluation Method
Atttendance - 5%
Papers - 65%
Presentations - 10%
Quizzes - 15%
Weekly Discussion Posts - 5%
Class Materials (Required)
Research Methods in Psychology: Evaluating a World of Information, 3rd Edition
Author: Morling, Beth
ISBN-13: 9780393617542
ISBN-10: 0393617548
Class Materials (Suggested)
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th Edition
Author: American Psychological Association
ISBN-13: 9781433832161
ISBN-10: 143383216X
Class Attributes
Attendance at 1st class mandatory
Prerequisites apply, see description
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: REQ: To register, students must have completed PSYCH 201 with a C- or higher, STAT 202 with a B or higher, Stat 210 with a B or higher, or have AP credit (score of 5) for STAT 202.