Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Completion of PSYC 100 with grade of "C" or better; completion of PSYC 142 or MATH 13 with grade of "C" or better
Advisory: Completion of ENGL 1A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Introduction to research methodology, experimental design, and hypothesis testing in the behavioral sciences. Includes reading psychological literature and report writing, psychological measurement, and the design and analysis of several study types (included but not limited to: case studies, survey research, field studies, correlational methods, and experimental methods. (C-ID PSY 200) (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Contrast the scientific method with nonscientific methods of obtaining information through critical evaluation of empirical research studies and nonscientific articles.
  • CSLO #2: Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of experimental designs and other research approaches used in psychology including analysis of ethical issues raised in psychology research using the principles of the American Psychological Association.
  • CSLO #3: Conduct scientific research, analyze the data, interpret the results, and communicate the findings using American Psychological Association’s (APAs) format.

Effective Term

Fall 2024

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Explain the basic principles of the scientific method.
  2. Critically evaluate research reports.
  3. Synthesize a body of research findings.
  4. Develop and test hypotheses.
  5. Explain general research designs, experimental and non-experimental methods, and standard research practices.
  6. Select appropriate research designs to test hypotheses.
  7. Explain the ethical treatment of human and animal participants in research and the institutional requirements for conducting research.
  8. Assess the generalizability of study results.
  9. Apply APA style to written research reports.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Behavioral Sciences
    • AA/AS - Comm & Analyt Thinking
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • CSUGE - D Social Sciences
  • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
    • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

      Articulation Information

      • CSU Transferable
      • UC Transferable

      Methods of Evaluation

      • Essay Examinations
        • Example: In an essay, describe what is necessary to determine causality? In other words, what is necessary to demonstrate that a causal relationship exists between two variables? Rubric Grading.
      • Objective Examinations
        • Example: Example question: Barbara studied the effects of both viewing angle (three angles were used) and computer monitor display size (two sizes were used) on eye blink rate. She used a between-subjects approach. This study A. required five groups. B. required two groups. C. was a factorial design with two factors. D. was a factorial design with six factors.
      • Projects
        • Example: By yourself or in a group of up to three, design and carry out a psychology research project. This must be an empirical project in which you collect data from a suitable number of participants. You will then analyze and interpret the results and write an APA-style report which includes a review of the literature as well as your results. This paper will be assessed using a rubric. In addition, you will present the results to the class and be prepared to address any questions from other students; this presentation will also be assessed using a rubric.

      Repeatable

      No

      Methods of Instruction

      • Lecture/Discussion
      • Distance Learning

      Lecture:

      1. The instructor will lecture on the types of extraneous variables that can make it difficult to interpret the results of experiments. The students will then be provided with examples of experiments with such problems and will be asked to identify them during a discussion period.

      Distance Learning

      1. The instructor will provide background material on the Barnum Effect for students to read and answer discussion questions. Students will be assigned to groups to collect and analyze data on the Barnum Effect. Students will collaborate to present the data to the class as a Discussion Board presentation. Each student will need to post 1 question to the authors of the study presentation regarding one of the following sections: the background, the method, the results or the discussion. Presenters will need to answer questions of fellow students. The instructor will moderate these discussions and help to answer questions that come up and guide students in thinking about how their questions apply to specific concepts they have learned about previously.

      Typical Out of Class Assignments

      Reading Assignments

      1. Read the article "Living Large: The Powerful Overestimate Their Own Height" by Duguid and Goncalo (2012). Be prepared to describe the independent and dependent variables and main results of the experiments. 2. Read Chapter on Ethics of the textbook. Be prepared to discuss the basic ethical guidelines that all behavioral researchers must observe. In addition, consider the question of animal research ethics. Do you believe that animal research requires ethical guidelines?

      Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

      1. Find a research article on a topic in psychology that interests you. Write a summary of the work. Include the basic problem addressed by the research, the hypothesis or research question, the sample used, a brief description of the procedure, the results, and the main implications of the work. 2. Your friend tells you that psychological research is "worthless" because all you study are "white rats and college students." Furthermore, he states that the subjects in your research don't even represent the population at large. Respond to this criticism.

      Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

      By yourself or in a group of up to three, design and carry out a psychology research project. This must be an empirical project in which you collect data from a suitable number of participants. You will then analyze and interpret the results and write an APA-style paper which includes a review of the literature as well as your results.

      Required Materials

      • Research Methods in Psychology
        • Author: Beth Morling
        • Publisher: Norton
        • Publication Date: 2021
        • Text Edition: 4th
        • Classic Textbook?: Yes
        • OER Link:
        • OER:
      • Research Methods: Core Concepts and Skills for Psychology
        • Author: Paul C. Price
        • Publisher: Flatworld
        • Publication Date: 2023
        • Text Edition: 3rd
        • Classic Textbook?: Yes
        • OER Link:
        • OER:
      • Research Methods in Psychology
        • Author: Cutler, Jhangiani, Leighton
        • Publisher: Kwantlen Polytechnic University
        • Publication Date: 2019
        • Text Edition: 4th
        • Classic Textbook?:
        • OER Link:
        • OER: Yes
      • Methods in Behavioral Research
        • Author: Cozby, Bates
        • Publisher: McGrawHill
        • Publication Date: 2024
        • Text Edition: 15th
        • Classic Textbook?: Yes
        • OER Link:
        • OER:

      Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

      Instructor may require the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition (2020).