Spring 2021 - PSYC 201W D100

Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (4)

Class Number: 1980

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 18, 2021
    Sun, 12:00–3:00 p.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:

Lectures will be asynchronous in this course.

This course provides a general introduction to research methods in psychological research, with a particular emphasis on basic experimental designs. Topics will include methods of data collection, hypothesis formulation, ethics, measurement and sampling, validity and reliability, experimental design, experimental procedure, quasi-experiments and single-case designs, surveys, and qualitative and mixed methods. The course will also briefly introduce 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 experiment.

Grading

  • Midterm Exam: 20%
  • Final Exam: 20%
  • Research Project: 36%
  • Writing Assignments: 18%
  • Research Participation: 6%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Lisa Turner; R. Burke Johnson; Larry B. Christensen.  Research Methods, Design, and Analysis, 13th Edition.  VitalSource eText

ISBN: 9780134791500

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 SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 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).