SRJC Course Outlines

3/28/2024 5:27:16 AMPSYCH 1B Course Outline as of Fall 2008

Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION

Discipline and Nbr:  PSYCH 1BTitle:  INTRO/RESEARCH METHODS  
Full Title:  Introduction to Psychological Research Methods
Last Reviewed:11/27/2023

UnitsCourse Hours per Week Nbr of WeeksCourse Hours Total
Maximum3.00Lecture Scheduled3.0017.5 max.Lecture Scheduled52.50
Minimum3.00Lab Scheduled06 min.Lab Scheduled0
 Contact DHR0 Contact DHR0
 Contact Total3.00 Contact Total52.50
 
 Non-contact DHR0 Non-contact DHR Total0

 Total Out of Class Hours:  105.00Total Student Learning Hours: 157.50 

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade Only
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly: 

Catalog Description:
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Introduction to research methods in psychology. Principles of research design and analysis.  Application of these principles to classroom experiments, surveys, and naturalistic observations.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:
Course Completion of PSYCH 1A


Recommended Preparation:
Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent and Course Eligibility for MATH 15

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description: Untitled document
Introduction to research methods in psychology. Principles of research design and analysis.  Application of these principles to classroom experiments, surveys, and naturalistic observations.
(Grade Only)

Prerequisites:Course Completion of PSYCH 1A
Recommended:Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent and Course Eligibility for MATH 15
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:Effective:Inactive:
 Area:
 
CSU GE:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 
IGETC:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 
CSU Transfer:TransferableEffective:Fall 1981Inactive:
 
UC Transfer:TransferableEffective:Fall 1981Inactive:
 
C-ID:
 CID Descriptor: PSY 200 Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology SRJC Equivalent Course(s): PSYCH1B

Certificate/Major Applicable: Major Applicable Course



COURSE CONTENT

Outcomes and Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
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Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Describe the characteristics of the scientific method, and distinguish between nonexperimental and experimental, qualitative and quantitative research methods.
2. Summarize sources of research ideas, devise research problems, and formulate hypotheses for these research problems.
3.  Evaluate ethical dilemmas among human and animal research subjects according to the APA Code of Ethics.
4.  Discriminate between independent and dependent variables when conducting research experiments.
5.  Define validity and propose methods for controlling the variables to reduce threat of invalidity in a research experiment.  
6.  Explain the use of randomization, matching, and counterbalancing techniques for the purpose of achieving research constancy.
7.  Compare and contrast different research approaches such as correlational research, surveys, and observational studies.
8.  Differentiate among the different types of single-case designs and identify the situations in which each of the designs would be appropriate.
9.  Design and implement a research project from beginning to end.
10. Write a comprehensive research report using the APA format.
11. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the following areas:
         a.  naturalistic observations
         b.  surveys
         c.  correlational research
         d.  experiments (one-way and/or two-way designs)
         e.  factorial design experiments

Topics and Scope
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1.  Beginning Psychological Research
2.  Explanation in Scientific Psychology
3.  Exploring the Literature Psychology
4.  Observation and Survey in Psychological Research
5.  Qualitative and Quantitative Research
6.  Correlation/Relational Research
7.  Basics of Experimentation
8.  Validity and Reliability in Research
9.  Experimental Design
10. Complex Design
11. Small-n Experimentation
12. Quasi-Experimentation
13. Conducting Ethical Research
14. Interpreting the Results of Research
15. Presenting Research Results
16. Writing an APA Research Paper

Assignments:
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1.  Read approximately 20-25 pages per week, recapitulate
   assigned material in the textbook and supplements and complete Q/A worksheets.
2.  Take at least one midterm exam and one final on lectures, reading
   concepts and terminology.
3.  Write at least 3 critical analysis papers, 3 pages in length, on
   assigned readings and lecture materials.
4.  Write a term or course research paper approximately 8-12 pages in
   length for the purpose of integrating research skills, enhancing
   course knowledge, and improving writing skills.
5.  Upon the discretion of the instructor, oral presentations and group
   projects may be assigned.
6.  Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the
   following areas:
   a.  naturalistic observations
   b.  surveys
   c.  correlational research
   d.  experiments (one-way and/or two-way designs)
   e.  factorial design experiments
7. Q/A worksheets

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.
Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.Writing
25 - 35%
Course research papers, critical thought essays
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.Problem Solving
10 - 20%
Q/A Worksheets
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.Skill Demonstrations
0 - 0%
None
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.Exams
25 - 35%
Multiple choice, true/false, fill-in, short answers
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.Other Category
10 - 20%
Oral presentation, group projects


Representative Textbooks and Materials:
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Davis, Stephen F.; Smith, Randolph A.
  Introduction to Statistics and Research Methods:  BECOMING A
  PSYCHOLOGICAL DETECTIVE, Prentice Hall, 2005.
Leedy, Paul; Ormrod, Jeanne E.
  Practical Research:  Planning and Design, Prentice Hall, 2005.
Borden, Kenneth S.; Abbot, Bruce B.
  Research Design and Methods, McGraw Hill, 2005
Kantowitz, Barry H.; Roediger, Henry L.; Elmes, David G.
  Experimental Psychology - Understanding Psychology Research,
  Thomson-Wadsworth, 2005.
Christensen, Larry B.
  Experimental Methodology, Allyn & Bacon, 2006.
Graziano, Anthony M.; Raulin, Michael L.
  Research Methods:  A Process of Inquiry, Allyn & Bacon, 2006.

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