Summer 2020 - PSYC 201W D100
Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (4)
Class Number: 3168
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
-
Course Times + Location:
May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Aug 22, 2020
Sat, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Location: TBA
-
Instructor:
Lesley Schimanski
lschiman@sfu.ca
-
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:
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 goals of this course include designing and conducting a research study, interpreting and communicating research findings appropriately, and critically evaluating the quality of others’ research findings as communicated in scientific and other popular media sources.
Grading
- Quizzes: 24%
- Written Assignments: 21%
- Research Project & Paper: 35%
- Final Exam (cumulative): 20%
NOTES:
Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course 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.
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) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Goodwin, K.A. & Goodwin, C.J. (2016). Research in Psychology: Methods and Design (8th ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The book is on CEI - please see link below.
https://www.campusebookstore.com/AccessCodes/AccessCodeBrowse.aspx?CODEID=24739&bookseller_id=241
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 SUMMER 2020
Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course 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.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) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.