Course Catalog

PSY272E Research in Psychology (3 credits) 9520

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Research methods in psychology are studied and critiqued. Students are involved in practical research and writing assignments.

LEARNING RESULTS
Students who pass PSY272E will be able to:

• Design a simple experiment with appropriate variable and control measures.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the scientific method as used in psychology.
• Think critically about ethical issues in psychological research.
• Do a literature search using Psychological Abstracts.
• Use simple sampling and statistical techniques.
• Write a research article using the proper form for psychological journals.

REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS
Barbara Sommer and Robert Sommer. (2002). A Practical Guide to Behavioral Research: Tools and Techniques, 5th ed. New York: Oxford University Press.

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INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND LEARNING
This is a course strictly dealing with the research process as it relates to the field of psychology. Once the principles of research are learned, they will likely be helpful to other fields as well. Research has a broad application to many fields of study.

LEARNING DOCUMENTATION
To determine if the course learning results have been attained, students document their learning by submitting the following items:

Assignment #1 – Types of Research
Assignment #2 - Ethics in Research
Assignment #3 – Psychological Abstracts
Assignment #4 – Naturalistic Observations
Assignment #5 – Using Empirical Science
Assignment #6 – Interview Techniques
Assignment #7 - Questionnaires
Assignment #8 – Rating/Attitude Scales
Assignment #9 – Content Analysis

Assignment #10 – Researching Historical
Data
Assignment #11 – Case Study Method
Assignment #12 – Using the Internet
Assignment #13 – Standardized Tests &
Inventories
Assignment #14 - Sampling
Assignment #15 - Statistics
Assignment #16 – Professional Journals
4 projects
1. Psychological Abstract Topic Search
2. Naturalistic Observation
3. Depth Interview
4. Content Analysis
3 exams

There are 16 lessons, 4 projects, and 3 examinations for this course.

LEARNING EVALUATION
Evaluation for this course is based on a point system. Each project is worth 10 points totaling 40 points, and each exam is worth 20 points totaling 60 points. There are 100 total points for the course. Even though the assignments are graded pass/fail, they must be submitted in order to pass the course.
Please note: Each Assignment question has specific points corresponding to each question. These points are for the Instructor's use in assisting him/her in grading each assignment either Pass/Fail. They are not included in the total points for the course.