PSY2110 Research Methods in Psychology B

Contents

• Staffing
• Requisites
• Rationale
• Synopsis
• Objectives
• Topics
• Texts
• Reference materials
• Student workload
• Assessment details
• Important assessment information
• Assessment notes
• Production date
• PDF version

STAFFING

REQUISITES

RATIONALE

The discipline of psychology is based on a solid foundation of scientific research. Researchers use a variety of conceptual, logical and mathematical tools to reduce uncertainty in the state of psychological knowledge. This course introduces more advanced research methodologies and statistical techniques.

SYNOPSIS

This course builds upon the basic methods and tools of psychological research, extending the range and complexity of questions which can be addressed. A variety of research designs are introduced including complex experimental and quasi-experimental designs and single-subject designs as ways of answering specific questions and dealing with potential confounds. The statistical and analytic tools associated with these more advanced techniques are also explored including factorial analysis of variance, and multiple regression. Students will need access to the SPSS software package throughout this course and will also need to access the internet for participation in a research project.

OBJECTIVES

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1. describe different research designs, identify when it is appropriate to use them, and the various factors that contribute to internal and external validity (Exam);
2. identify the theoretical concepts used in a study, the variables used to operationalise these concepts, and the control techniques used (Exam);
3. propose research questions and hypotheses to test psychological concepts and theories and select the most appropriate analytic technique (Assignment 2);
4. demonstrate an understanding of more advanced statistical analyses such as factorial analysis of variance, and multiple regression and be able to calculate power and effect sizes for these analysis (Assignment 2, Exam);
5. use SPSS to analyse psychological research data and be able to interpret the overall significance of each test as well as measures of effect size and observed power (Assignment 2);
6. write an extended research report in APA style focusing on the link between the research question, the rationale for the analytic technique used, the results of the analyses and the importance and meaning of the results (Assignment 2);
7. identify the ethical guidelines researchers must follow and describe how researchers implement these guidelines in actual studies (Assignment 1).

TOPICS

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

SPSS student version 12.0 (version 10.0 or later is acceptable) for Windows, Prentice Hall.

Aron, A, Aron, EN & Coups, EJ 2006, Statistics for psychology (International edition), 4th edn, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.

Burton, LJ 2007, An interactive approach to writing essays and research reports in psychology, 2nd edn, John Wiley & Sons, Brisbane, Australia.

Shaughnessy, JJ, Zechmeister, EB & Zechmeister, JS 2006, Research methods in psychology, 7th edn, McGraw Hill, Boston.

Whitley, T 2006, Statistics for psychology: study guide and computer workbook (International Edition), 4th edn, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.

REFERENCE MATERIALS

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

All recommended readings for this course are available from the following website: http://www.usq.edu.au/course/materials/PSY2110

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

NOTES

1.

Examination dates will be available during the Semester. Please refer to the examination timetable when published.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the student's responsibility to participate actively in all course activities and to study all course materials, so as to be informed of all course academic and administrative actions and policies, and to maximize his/her chance of meeting the objectives of the course.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To satisfactorily complete an assessment item a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks or a grade of at least C-. Students do not have to satisfactorily complete each assessment item to be awarded a passing grade in this course. Refer to Statement 4 below for the requirements to receive a passing grade in this course.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without (prior) approval of the examiner then a penalty of 5% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment may apply for each working day late up to ten working days at which time a mark of zero may be recorded. No assignments will be accepted after model answers have been posted.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the aggregate of the weighted marks/grades obtained of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   Candidates are allowed access only to specific materials during a Restricted Examination. The only materials that candidates may use in the restricted examination for this course are: writing materials (non-electronic and free form material which could give the student an unfair advantage in the examination); calculators which cannot hold textual information (students must indicate on their examination paper the make and model of any calculator(s) they use during the examination); Students whose first language is not English, may, with the Examiner's approval, take an appropriate non-electronic translation dictionary (but not technical dictionary) into the examination. Students who wish to use a translation dictionary MUST request and receive a written approval from the Examiner at least one week before the examination date. Translation dictionaries will be subject to perusal and may be removed from the candidate's possession until appropriate disciplinary action is completed if found to contain material that could give the candidate an unfair advantage.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the examination period at the end of the semester of the next offering of this course.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

This version produced 1 Sep 2008.