Research Methods in Psychology 2
Psyc 2023 Course Outline, Winter 1998

Section A2: Slot 14; 2:30 - 4:00 M & W; Room BAC 142
Section B2: Slot 12; 10:00-11:30 Tu &Th; Room HSH 141
 


Professor: Peter McLeod
Office: Horton Hall, Room 426
Hours: 9:00 - 10:00 daily; 4:00-4:30 MW; or by appointment
Phone: 585-1589
E-mail: pmcleod@acadiau.ca
Instructor: Ms. Jill Sullivan
Office: Horton Hall, Room 118
Hours: TBA
Phone: 585-1521
E-mail: jsulliva@acadiau.ca

Lab times: (LA2, LB2, LC2, LD2) Slot 13 or 15 (but only 1 day/week)


Required Text:

Bordens, K.S & Abbott, B.B. Research Design and methods: A process approach (3rd ed.) Mountain View, CA: Mayfield.

McLeod, P.J., Bower-Jacquard, S., McDonald, K., Holmberg, D., Sullivan, J. & Trimper, J. (1997). Psychology research methods lab manual. Wolfville, N.S.: Acadia University. (see lab instructor)

Additional required or recommended readings may be placed on course reserve throughout the term

Required Reference:
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association [4th (1994) Edition). Washington: American Psychological Association.

Note: Prerequisite is PSYCH 2013 with a C- or better
(see 1997/98 calendar, p.133)
Outline
This continuation of Research Methods I (Psyc 2013) will introduce you to the logic of more complicated research designs and more about the quasi-analytic methods frequently used by psychologists and other social scientists. Our most important goal in this course is to become even more adept at critically evaluating scientific results and interpretations based on those results. In addition to covering the remainder of the text we will also cover the research methods used in developmental psychology. We will also discuss psychophysics (including signal detection theory) and multiple regression techniques: the prevalence of multiple regression techniques in current psychological studies makes it important for you to understand at a conceptual level at least. [Many undergraduate research methods courses do not cover either signal detection theory nor multiple regression. I mention this to let you know that I have high expectations of you.] Time permitting, we will also spend some time talking about 'objectivity' in social sciences, everyday people getting involved in evaluating scientific data, and the distinction between 'statistically significant' and 'important' group differences.

There will also be labs that you will be required to complete and write-up as well as an independent research project. You will also be required, with your partner, to present your proposal and your results in class (see lab handouts/manual).

Evaluation
Lab Assignments: The lab component of this course will include conducting and writing up an independent research project and 3 additional laboratory (experimental) assignments. There may also be shorter assignments and optional tutorials. The lab demonstrator will provide you with details on the due dates for these assignments and the evaluation procedures. Some scheduled lab times will be devoted to helping you with your independent projects, If you stick to the schedule, this will distribute your lab work quite evenly throughout the semester. Both the demonstrator and I will be available to help with your projects during office hours. Do not expect us to help you during office hours with parts of your project (e.g., data analysis) that were covered in previous labs if you did not attend or were not prepared for those scheduled 'help' sessions. In other words, if you chose to procrastinate, don't expect us to cram with you!

Midterms: Midterm exams will be a mixture of multiple choice questions, short answer, and problem solving questions. As part of these you might be asked to design a study and/or critique a study described to you. You may also be asked to read summaries of studies or a published scientific paper (taken in whole or in part from a recent psychology or general science journal), followed by questions to assess your understanding of the research design used in the paper, its strengths and weaknesses. All tests given in this course, will emphasize applying your knowledge.

Final Exam: The final will be similar in format to the midterm exams and will cover material from the entire course, with some emphasis on material covered after the second midterm. Do not make your travel plans until you know the date and time of all your exams.

Note: Make-up tests will not be given for any reason. If you will be away for the midterm you can arrange to write it ahead of the scheduled date. Students who miss the test for a legitimate reason will have their final worth more. All lab assignments and the project must be completed. To obtain a pass, you must pass both the lab and lecture sections of the course. Similarly, to obtain a C- or B- you must earn that grade or better in both sections of the course.

 Tentative grading system and schedule
 Item Date(s) (Sec A2, Sec B2) Value
Midterm Monday February 3rd, Tuesday February 4th 15%
Midterm Monday, March 10th, Tuesday, March 11th 15%
Lab Section See lab handout/manual: includes all assignments the independent research project  

30%
Final Exam (date to be announced) 40%