Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology II – PSYC 515

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

This course examines advanced research methodology and statistical techniques for psychological research. This course equips students to design, conduct, and present research using APA formatting guidelines. A computer software package is used for analysis of data. (Crosslisted with MSPS 505)

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

The purpose of this course is to provide further understanding of research methods. This course will build on previous course work and guide students through the decision-making process regarding the selection of appropriate analytic techniques, interpretation of statistical results, and presentation of data and findings in order to prepare students to become proficient consumers and producers of research in the field of psychology.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview. 

Discussion

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. This is most useful in research methods when seeking feedback from peers and disseminating research results. Therefore, in this course each student will create a thread to share their research findings as part of a multi-stage Research Project. The thread must be at least 600 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. Students will also reply to at least 2 other classmates’ threads for this assignment. All replies must be at least 150 words. Assertions must be supported by citations as needed. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Homework Assignments (5)

The student will complete five (5) homework exercises. These homework exercises assess correct application of SPSS, interpretation of SPSS output, and presentation of research findings using APA conventions based on current and previous assigned readings and presentations. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Research Assignments (3)

This collection of assignments will give the student an opportunity to develop a research question, read published research relevant to the proposed research question, choose a research design, collect data, run a statistical test, interpret the results, and present them in written form using professional conventions. Instructions from the Institutional Review Board regarding how to administer this survey must be followed. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Research: Research Design Assignment

The purpose is to scaffold the process of designing and conducting a research study. In this first phase, the student will submit a research proposal and survey by completing the form provided and creating survey. 

Research: Intro and Methods Assignment

The student will use the data collected to begin writing the introduction and methods portions of the paper. This project will refine the student's graduate level writing abilities and allow the student to practice scientific writing skills. The submission will be the final version of these portions, not the drafts/revisions.

Research: Final Paper Assignment

The student will submit the Final Paper, including all revisions and suggested changes from the instructor.

Quizzes (8)

The student will complete eight (8) weekly quizzes. Content is from the current module (non-cumulative) and will not require use of SPSS. Each quiz will be 25 multiple-choice questions. After agreeing to abide by the Academic Policy Online Honor Code, a timer will start. You have 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete these 25 questions. This allows for judicious use of time to refer to assigned readings and presentations (open book / open notes) but should be completed with no other forms of collaboration. (CLO: A, C)