Fall 2020 - PSYC 201W D100

Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (4)

Class Number: 3199

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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:

Course Outline Video

https://youtu.be/eQTckHc9yb4

Psychology 201 is designed to introduce the student to research methods and designs used in psychology. An appreciation of these not only provides the student with the ability to critically evaluate published articles within the field of psychology but also, allows the student to develop his/her own research hypotheses and to determine research strategies that are appropriate to use in testing such hypotheses.

This course will examine some of the more common designs employed by psychologists including experimental and quasi-experimental approaches as well as qualitative methods. In addition, the course will briefly discuss issues of data analysis and statistical inference. As part of the course requirements, students will propose, design, and present a written report of a simple study.

Grading

  • 12 Module Quizzes: 18%
  • 3 Term Tests: 25%
  • 3 Writing Assignments: 21%
  • Research Project 3 Components: 30%
  • Research Participation: 6%

NOTES:

Traditionally, Psychology 201 is offered with both large-lecture and tutorial components. However, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic SFU administration has mandated that most instruction, including courses with tutorials, be delivered through remote methods. As such, for the current semester Psychology 201 will be offered remotely. Here’s what you can expect.

Weekly Zoom Meetings: during each week of the term there will be a scheduled 45-minute Zoom meeting
• the Zoom meeting will be held on Tuesdays from 10:30 – 11:15 am

Module Lectures: There will be 12 course modules that cover the core concepts from the assigned readings (the modules are organized around the 12 chapters in the required text).
• modules will be available in Canvas and will consist of several PowerPoint presentations with accompanying narration

Remote Tutorials: Students will be registered in one of several possible small-group tutorials. These tutorials will be held remotely with each tutorial group being led by a teaching assistant (TA). The TA will meet weekly (and remotely) in order to present and discuss material related to (a) the course’s writing assignments and (b) the course’s research project.

Computer / Internet Requirements

You are expected to be computer literate and familiar with the Internet. Students are expected to have access to a Mac or Windows computer with multi-media capability (including a webcam with microphone), Microsoft Office, high-speed internet access, and a recent version of an internet browser (e.g., IE, Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari. The synchronous portions of the course (using Zoom) are scheduled for Pacific Time.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Passer, M. W. (2017). Research methods: Concepts and connections (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.

This textbook is available as a hard copy or an ebook please see various choices below:

www.sfu.ca/bookstore/ebooks

www.sfu.ca/bookstore

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).