Spring 2025 - PSYC 201W D100
Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (4)
Class Number: 5122
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Richard Hohn
rhohn@sfu.ca
Office: TBD
Office Hours: TBD
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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:
PSYC 201W 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.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
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 design, conduct, and present a written report of a simple study.
Grading
- Research Participation: 6%
- Weekly Quizzes: 20%
- Writing Assignments: 24%
- Term Paper/Project: 30%
- Final Exam: 20%
NOTES:
Tutorials start on the first week of classes.
REQUIREMENTS:
In addition to the other course requirements listed on the syllabus, each student in Psychology 100, 102 & 201W is required to complete three hours of psychology research participation.
For details, please see: https://www.sfu.ca/psychology/undergraduate/research/research-participation.html
To sign-up for studies: https://sfu-psyc.sona-systems.com
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Passer, M. W. (2021). Research Methods: Concepts and Connections (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers
ISBN: 9781319363529
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.