PSYCHOLOGY 202
RESEARCH METHODS
COURSE SYLLABUS

REQUIRED TEXTS:

(1) Research Methods in Psychology (8th Ed.), by Elmes, Kantowitz, & Roediger (Thompson-Wadsworth, 2006; ISBN: 0534609767; ISBN13: 9780534609764)
(2) Study Guide for this text (8th Ed.). - This Study Guide is required to complete homework!
(3) There is also a very helpful (and free) "Companion Web Site" that accompanies this text - very useful in studying for exams! Just click here: Elmes Companion Website

RECOMMENDED LINKS:

V.U. Psychology Department - This web page provides information about the V.U. psychology program, as well as information about research interests of psychology faculty.

Library Psychology Pathfinder - This is an invaluable tool that will help you conduct your literature search for your research proposal. I recommend browsing this site now - it will be required reading later.

NOTE: I will be available for "Virtual Office Hours" Online (OL) in the "Lightweight Chat Room" on the V.U. CourseVU Web Site for this course on Mon-Thurs 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Central Time. While it is not required that you be online in the Chat Room at these times, it is strongly encouraged if you are having any problems completing course assignments. It will be a good opportunity to get immediate answers to questions from me, as well as to interact directly with your class members. You should email me ahead of time to arrange an appointment on a given day. Even if you do not meet in Chat on a given day, you will be expected to have completed any assignments for that day. To know what you need to do for a given class day, click on that date on the "Assignments" Section of the CourseVU site.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course will focus on the development of skills in reading and understanding psychological research as well as to apply these skills to the critical evaluation of scientific research. Emphasis will be placed upon the following objectives:

1. Understanding the basic methods of scientific research and data analysis
2. Applying knowledge of methodology & data analysis to critical evaluation of scientific research
3. Applying knowledge of methodology & data analysis to a Research Proposal of a research project based upon critical review of the available literature
4. Through clear and concise speaking and writing, communicate knowledge in the chosen area of study to other persons.
5. Developing skills in the use of information technology

COURSE PROCEDURES: On specified dates, students will:

1. Read the assigned chapter in the text.
2. Complete the Study Guide activities (except those titled, "Experimental Projects;" students may ignore these).
3. Complete extra assignments/exercises posted on the "Assignments" section of the CourseVU site.
4. Post responses to homework in the "Discussions" section of the CourseVU site.
5. Complete scheduled online tests.

• Thus, a considerable amount of time will be spent online at this site in preparing for class sessions, participating in these sessions and working together in teams outside of class sessions.So you should plan to visit this site everyday.
• Check for announcements that may be posted periodically--these will appear when you login to CourseVU.

COURSE POLICIES: Following the guidelines below will not only make the class more enjoyable for us all, but will also prevent unenjoyable consequences for you personally:
1. Bookmark this Syllabus Web Page and the CourseVU Site and visit them daily. Daily class participation is VITAL. While you may not be interacting directly with me (e.g., in the "Chat Room") on any given day, you will be responsible for ALL lectures, exercises, announcements, etc.that are posted on the course site for that day, whether you interact directly with me online or not.
2. You cannot get behind in this class and expect to do well! Completion and posting of homework assignments and exams ON THE SCHEDULED DATES IS MANDATORY, and late submissions will be considered only in cases of extreme personal hardship (i.e., I will ask to see doctors' notes and death certificates). All assignments must be submitted on time. Period!
3. The V.U. Honor Code: "I have neither given or received, nor have I tolerated others' use of unauthorized aid." Each student is expected to adhere to this code and be familiar with the procedures for its implementation. Note that this code applies to all submitted course materials as well as to course exams.
4. It is a requirement that you use and check your VU email account for this course. This is because these are the accounts that CourseVU uses and I will be using.

EVALUATION POLICY: There will be three exams (see attached schedule for dates) worth 50 points each, homework exercises worth a total of 50 points, three Assignments worth a total of 50 points, and a Research Proposal worth 50 pts. Thus, the breakdown of total points is as follows:

Final course grades will be determined by the percentage of the total points earned according to the following criteria: 90-100% = A; 80-89% = B; 70-79% = C; 60-69% = D; less than 60% = F. The instructor retains the right to lower these criteria, but they will not be raised under any circumstances.

A FINAL WORD: Learning to conduct good research can be an exciting and rewarding process that results in extremely valuable skills. I sincerely hope that you will "catch the fever" and even have fun in the process! On the other hand, these outcomes can only be achieved via commitment and willingness to endure some measure of frustration. This will not be an easy course, but if you are willing to contribute the time and effort, I believe that you will find this to be one of the most valuable experiences of your academic career. Do not hesitate to talk to me if you feel you are floundering--I am here to help! Good luck and keep at it!

COURSE SCHEDULE AND ASSIGNMENTS

Below is a day-by-day brief outline of the course. You can click the links in this table to get quick access to the day's Lecture Notes (blue links) and supplemental homework exercises, or experimental dilemmas (ED; red links) for a given day. Greater detail regarding each of these links can be found by clicking the "Assignments" link in the navigation bar on the left of the CourseVU course site. Thus, you should only use these links after studying the Assignments notes for a given day on the CourseVU site.