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Research Methods in Psychology (205-0-22)

Instructors

Benjamin J Gorvine
847/467-1839
Swift 306

Meeting Info

Willard Hall B72: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This course will introduce students to methods used in psychological research. Through readings, lectures, discussion, and hands-on activities (specifically the handling of a statistics program used for data collection and analyses), students will learn about the scientific approach to research designs and about the analysis and interpretation of data. They will participate in novel research projects and will write a report on each in the style used by research psychologists. Primary goals are for students to learn (1) testing hypotheses, including data collection and statistical analyses, (2) writing effectively about research plans and findings, and (3) critically evaluating psychological research done by other people.

Registration Requirements

Students must have taken PSYCH 201 or an approved substitute 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

At the end of the course you should be able to: Demonstrate proficiency with regard to the terminology and concepts involved in psychological research, especially with regard to experimentation Obtain research articles relevant to a psychological topic via the online databases (e.g., PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Google Scholar), and synthesize this research Formulate hypotheses and design research to test these hypotheses Effectively communicate the results of your own psychological research by writing clear, persuasive, appropriately formatted APA-style research reports Critically evaluate research results reported by others

Teaching Method

The course will be taught in person using a combination of lectures, group work, in class projects, and in class demonstrations.

Evaluation Method

Evaluation is based on completion of 3 APA style research reports, along with two essay exams and several short papers

Class Materials (Required)

Research Methods: From theory to practice Gorvine, Rosengren, Stein, & Biolsi (2018). Oxford University Press ISBN: 978-0-19-020182-1

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression
Empirical and Deductive Reasoning Foundational Dis
Formal Studies Distro Area
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.