Research Methods in the Behavioral Sciences

Psychology 330 - Spring 2004 - MWF 2:00 - AMH 212

INSTRUCTOR: G.L.Baril, AMH 203, 941-4270 - Office Hours: MW 3:00, TuTh 2:30

TEXT: Shaughnessy, J. J., Zechmeister, E. B., & Zechmeister, J. S. (2003). Research methods in psychology (6th ed). New York: McGraw-Hill

A few handouts will also be provided as required reading.

GOALS: To increase the student's knowledge of the basic concepts, methods, & problems in behavioral research (Learning Facts, Principles, the Process of Gaining New Knowledge, & to Improve Thinking & Problem-solving Skills).

QUIZZES: There will be a 10 to 15 item multiple choice, pre-lecture quiz the first class of every week (except as accounced) based on the Review Questions for the chapter and/or additional readings. There will be 3 quiz grades, each based on 3 or 4 quizzes. The quizzes will count a total of 22% of the course grade. Normally, a missed quiz will be given the lowest score obtained in the class (or a 3) unless justified.

EXAMS: There will be 3 multiple choice, short answer, & fill-in examinations: Two on the dates below & 1 during the final exam period. The last exam will cover material from the 1st two. They will be based on the text, handouts & lecture material. The 1st two exams will each count 23% of the course grade. The last exam will count 32%.

GRADES: Exam & quiz grades are determined by the highest score in the class (or 90% of the maximum possible score, whichever is higher) which receives a grade point value of 4.66. Half of that score receives a 1.00. Intermediate values are determined by interpolation. The University's grade point system is: A (4.00)(4.00-4.66 in this course), A- (3.67-3.99), B+ (3.33-3.66), B (3.00-3.32), B- (2.67-2.99), C+ (2.33-2.66), C (2.00-2.32), C- (1.67-1.99), D+ (1.33-1.66), D (1.00-1.32), F(0-.99).

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Missing part of a class without justification will decrease your course GPA by .1

HONESTY: "Integrity in intellectual activity is an indispensable prerequisite for membership in any academic community."

WEEK TOPIC ASSIGNMENT

Jan 30 (-M,W) Introduction Chapter 1

Feb 2 Overview of Science & Statistics Chapter 2 & Handout

9 Ethics Chapter 3

16 Observation Chapter 4

23 Survey Research (with survey study) Chapter 5

Mar 1 Survey Research (continued); EXAM 1 (F)

8 Unobtrusive Methods Chapter 6

15 ** SPRING BREAK **

22 Independent Groups Experiments Chapter 7

29 Repeated Measures Chapter 8

Apr 5 (-F) Complex Designs Chapter 9

12 (-M) Complex Designs (continued); EXAM 2 (F)

19 EXAM 2 (M); Single Subject Designs Chapter 10

26 Quasi Experiments Chapter 11

May 3 History & Philosophy of Science Additional Readings

10 Science versus Pseudoscience Additional Readings

17 (-W,F) Review