PSY-5020 Research Methods in Psychology

Dr. Wiley F. Smith
Department of Psychology
Boone, NC 28608-2109

Timothy J. Huelsman, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Director, Industrial/Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management Program

Dr. H's HOME

CURRICULUM VITA

TEACHING

RESEARCH

PSY-5020 Research Methods in Psychology

Class meetings:	TR 3:30-4:45 pm
Classroom:	SW 309
Office hours:	MW 8:00-11:45 am
	TR 10:45-noon
Syllabus:	click here for syllabus (.pdf)*

Course Description:


“An examination of the procedures and principles involved with experimental and quasi-experimental research, including problem formulation, literature review, measurement issues, sampling, research design, data analysis, and report writing using APA format.”    (from the Graduate Bulletin)

The above will be accomplished first by examining some of the philosophical underpinnings of using SCIENCE as the mode of psychological inquiry. Second, given that the method of psychology is science, the methodological choices (experimental and non-experimental) available to the discipline will be examined. Third, given the methodologies that are available, we will examine the analysis strategies appropriate to these methods.

In order to examine the first issue, we will explore some of the recent debates in the philosophy of science (especially as they are relevant to psychology) and over the use of null-hypothesis significance testing (within psychology in particular). It is essential to have an understanding of what psychological research is, before beginning to investigate the methodological issues of that research. Thus the “philosophy of science” will serve as the background for training in research design.

We will view research methodology and analysis, the second and third issues above, as the application of scientific procedures to acquire answers to a wide variety of research questions. Of particular interest this semester will be designs applicable to laboratory experimentation. In our examination, we will pay particular attention to the relationships between research methodology and statistical analysis.

Required Text:

Whitley, B. E., Jr. (2002). Principles of Research in Behavioral Science. McGraw Hill: Boston.

Course Policies:

Classes will be conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and professionalism.
Active participation and discussion are encouraged. Though the conflict of ideas is normal and questioning of the ideas of the instructor and other students is welcome, anyone disrupting the atmosphere of mutual respect and professionalism will not be allowed to participate further.
The use of cellular phones, beepers, or other electronic devices is disruptive and is prohibited. Except for emergencies (notify the instructor prior to class), the use of these devices is prohibited; students using such devices must leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period.
Students seeking disability accommodations are responsible for contacting the Office of Disability Services. You should also contact the instructor in advance regarding any necessary accommodations.
You are expected to attend class every day. If you miss a class meeting it is your responsibility to make up work, acquire handouts, notes, etc. You are also expected to arrive on time and stay for the full duration of the class period. The instructor should be notified regarding anticipated deviations from this policy.
You are expected to prepare for every class in advance. This includes, but is not limited to, reading assigned materials and completing assignments.
Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the assigned date. Save your work frequently and in multiple locations. Computer problems will happen; take the necessary precautions to ensure that your work is not lost or destroyed. Late work will receive a 25% deduction per day, starting on the date due. If you cannot be in class that day, you should make arrangements to get your assignment to me on time. You may e-mail an assignment to me as a MS Word attachment or .pdf document, but it is your responsibility to make sure that the file is not corrupt or infected, and that it will open on my machine (iMac G4; MS Word:mac 2004).
All assignments must be word processed. Be sure to save a copy of the file for yourself.
I do not give make-up tests. You may take the tests at times other than scheduled only for reasons of great hardship and with my prior permission. These rescheduled tests may be in an alternative format (at the discretion of the instructor), scheduled at our mutual convenience, but not more than one class period removed from the scheduled exam.
You should be on time for tests. No extra time will be given to latecomers, and no one will be permitted to start an exam after the first person has finished the exam.
You will read and abide by the Academic Integrity Code of the ASU Code of Student Conduct.

Grading:

Exams-

Quizzes-

Assignments-

Final Grades-

Final grades will be based on your point total (250 points possible) using the values below:

A (≥93%)	≥ 232.5 points
A- (≥90%)	≥ 225.0 points
B+ (≥87%)	≥ 217.5 points
B (≥83%)	≥ 207.5 points
B- (≥80%)	≥ 200.0 points
C+ (≥77%)	≥ 192.5 points
C (≥73%)	≥ 182.5 points
C- (≥70%)	≥ 175.0 points
D+ (≥67%)	≥ 167.5 points
D (≥63%)	≥ 157.5 points
D- (≥60%)	≥ 150.0 points
F (<60%)	< 150.0 points