Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2019 - PSYC 201W J100

Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (4)

Class Number: 5554

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2019: Thu, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 8, 2019
    Thu, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 100 or 102.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the procedures used in psychological research, and to the logic underlying them. Topics include the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to research, the formulation of testable questions, the control of extraneous influences, the measurement of effects, and the drawing of valid conclusions from empirical evidence. Provides a background for senior psychology courses since it offers a basis for the critical evaluation and conduct of research. Students with credit for PSYC 201 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an introduction to experimental methods in psychology.
The goals of this course are to learn how research is effectively planned, carried out, communicated, and critiqued. The course content addresses the theoretical foundations of psychological experimentation, including understanding the conditions necessary for conducting different types of psychological research. This course focuses on developing general psychological research skills, including knowledge of experimental design, statistics, scientific writing, and ethical standards of research. Example topics include theories and falsification, controlling for experimenter and participant bias, reliability and validity, sampling, and approaches to observational, survey, and correlational research. The major goal of this course is to learn not only how to design a research study and interpret its findings appropriately, but also how to critically evaluate the quality of others’ research findings as communicated in scientific and other popular media sources.

 

Grading

  • Chapter Quizzes​​​: 25%
  • Final Exam: 20%
  • Research Participation: 6%
  • Research Project and Paper: 30%
  • Assignments: 19%

NOTES:

Each student in psychology 100, 102 and 201 is required to complete three hours of research participation.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Goodwin, K.A. & Goodwin, C.J. (2016). Research in Psychology: Methods and Design, 8th Edition. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.



Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS