PSYC 3332 - Research Methods

Course Syllabus - Spring, 2004

INSTRUCTOR:

• Dr. Bill Lammers  
• Office: MAS 257
• Phone: 450-5415 (office); 329-7494 (home)
• E-mail:  billl@mail.uca.edu
• Office Hours: MWF 8-9, 10-11; TTh 8-10:30 and by appointment.

REQUIRED TEXT: The Psychologist as Detective:  An Introduction to Conducting Research in Psychology, 3rd edition  (by Smith & Davis).

RESOURCES: All resources are available from the course homepage.

ATTENDANCE: Attendance and active participation is expected at every class meeting.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The purpose of the course is to (1) help students become critical consumers of information, (2) understand procedures that represent the most powerful ways of acquiring new knowledge, and (3) learn how to develop a research proposal (using APA format).  The format of the course will consist of short lectures, small group discussions, and class discussions.  Students are expected to study the chapters in the textbook prior to discussions in class.  Active engagement with the concepts will be emphasized.

COURSE OBJECTIVES - GENERAL:

• understanding the basic principles of research design
• understanding the advantages and limitations of a variety of research designs
• learning to develop research ideas and hypotheses
• learning to effectively and efficiently review the literature for a research project
• learning to write a research proposal in APA format

COURSE OBJECTIVES THAT RELATE TO TECHNOLOGY:

Students will understand how to:

• design concept maps using Inspiration software
• use concept maps to construct a meaningful knowledge structure of the crucial concepts in previous studies
• use concept maps to develop research ideas and hypotheses
• use technology (database and internet searching) to review the relevant literature
• use Superlab software to develop computerized research protocols
• use word processing software to develop a research proposal in APA format
• download IRB forms from the internet and complete them using word processing software

GRADING:

Three Tests (50 pts each)	150 pts
Project Folder
1/2-page idea statement	5 pts
results of database search & 1/2-page summary of findings	10 pts
concept map for the topic of a central research article	10 pts
articles and draft of Introduction	10 pts
concept map for the methods of your proposed study	10 pts
draft of Methods	10 pts
draft of proposed Results	10 pts
completed ethics forms on a disk	10 pts
final draft of entire proposal	50 pts
Superlab program on a disk	20 pts
Class Participation	10 pts
Comprehensive Final Exam	50 pts
TOTAL	355 pts

Course Grade: A = 90%-100%  B = 80%-89%  C = 70%-79%  D = 60%-69%  F = 0%-59%

TESTS:  Each test will cover three chapters in the text. Tests will consist of approximately 15 multiple choice questions and 7 short essay questions.  Tests will be announced. Make-up tests will only be given when a clear medical or legal excuse can be documented in writing.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS: If any assignments are turned in late (this includes the above graded assignments and any other assignments) the student will lose 5 points per day it is late. Assignments will be due at the beginning of a class period.

ACADEMIC HONESTY: Any cheating on tests, copying of computer programs from another student, or plagiarism on the research proposal will not be tolerated and will result in severe disciplinary action according to University policy.

OTHER ACADEMIC POLICIES: Other academic policies (e.g., sexual harassment) can be found in the Student Handbook.

GRADING CRITERIA FOR RESEARCH REPORTS:

Introduction 

• clarity of purpose
• literature review
• statement of hypotheses

Method 

• adequacy of design
• quality and completeness of description

Results 

• appropriateness of analysis
• correctness of analysis
• use of tables or figures
• clarity of presentation

Miscellaneous 

• organization, style, format, appendix, etc.

For a list of Lammers' tips on writing a research paper, click here.

 

return to homepage