PSYC 202 Research Methods. This course introduces prospective Psychology majors to the major methodological principles that guide research in Psychology. The primary focus is on experimental design, but students will be exposed to some elementary statistics. Topics include critical thinking and scientific reasoning, principles of measurement, types of variables, validity and reliability, and research ethics. Weekly labs offer hands-on applications of basic concepts to the design of research.
Prerequisites: PSYC 100 and PSYC 101 both with a minimum of 60%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 60 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 1 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of research design
- Develop critical skills to design, interpret and evaluate valid psychological research
- Think critically and logically about topics in their daily life
- Demonstrate their knowledge by a) writing a literature review, b) developing their own original research and c) presenting their research proposal to the class. They will also gain experience in data collection during lab time
- Exhibit professional behaviours such as respect for colleagues, punctuality, willingness to think independently, and pride in presentation of work
- Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical issues that arise in psychological research
Teaching and Learning Approach
The lectures in this course focuses on the introduction of concepts and practice in research strategies. Students
are encouraged to enrich the class by asking questions and offering examples, and having read assigned text
prior to classes when the information is covered, as per the course schedule.
The lab provides opportunities to develop hands-on skills and to reinforce the problem-solving strategies
introduced in the lecture, with group review and discussion of exemplary research.Learning Resources
Required:
Lewandowski, G., Ciarocco, N., & Strohmetz, D. (2023). Discovering the Scientist Within:
Research Methods in Psychology (3rd Edition). New York: Worth Publishers.
Highly Recommended:
Wilson, S. (2008). Research Is Ceremony: Indigenous research methods. Fernwood Publishing.
Northey and Timney (2012). Making Sense: A Student’s Guide to Research and Writing. Oxford.
[1] You will get further instructions about the online resource to this text, including a handout.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Psychology as a science: thinking like a researcher
2. The Research Process
3. Ethics
4. The Psychologist's Toolbox (Research Design)
5. Qualitative Research
6. Observational Research & Survey Design
7. Review
8. Literature Review is due (see North &Timney: Chap 8)** **It is due at the beginning of class on Thursday, Oct. 30.The proposal is not expected to be complete (e.g., most student should have read, summarized and critically evaluated about half of the sources for their literature review; eight to 10 references are required at this point). The introduction and Hypothesis are essential; the more of the other sections that you have at this point, the more guidance you can receive from me and your peers. Bring two hard copies to class.
9. Two-Group Design
10. Multi-Group Design
11. Within-Subjects Designs
12. Factorial Design
13. Mixed Design - Research Proposals Due
14. Poster Presentation Day & Using Research in the Real World
15. Final Exam covering content from weeks 7-13 (exact date TBA)Assessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Exam 1 (Lewandowski chapters 1- 7) | 1, 2 and 3 | 20% |
| Exam 2 (Lewandowski chapters 8-13 ) | 1, 2 and 3 | 20% |
| Written Research Proposal | 4, 5 and 6 | 25% |
| Poster Presentation Literature Review (Introduction to your Research | 4, 5 and 6 | 10% |
| Proposal) | | 10% |
| Leading and participating in “journal club†and all class activities | discussions 2, 3 and 5 | 15% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.