Research Methods in Psychology (205-0-23)
Instructors
Alissa Levy Chung
Meeting Info
Annenberg Hall G30: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM
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 project 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 scholars.
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.
Teaching Method
The course will be taught in person using a combination of lectures, discussions, group work, in class projects, and in class demonstrations.
Evaluation Method
Evaluation is based on participation in class projects (5% of grade), completion of 3 APA style research reports (10, 20, and 40% of grade), 1 group presentation (15% of grade), and 4 short (1-2 page) papers (10% of grade). The research reports build over the quarter, with the final paper being a complete APA style research paper based on a group designed original research project.
Class Materials (Required)
Textbook: Gorvine, B., Rosengren, K, Stein, L., & Biolsi, K. (2017). Research methods: From theory to practice. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN: 978-0-19-020182-1.
Class Notes
Additional readings to be found on Canvas
Class Attributes
Advanced Expression
Empirical and Deductive Reasoning Foundational Dis
Formal Studies Distro Area
Attendance at 1st class mandatory
Prerequisites apply, see description
No Freshmen
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. No first-year students.