Description:

Methodologies that psychologists and other researchers use to collect data and the techniques that they use to analyze and interpret their data. The methodologies and statistical techniques will be drawn from a number of different content areas of psychological research, to include observational studies, correlational studies, and experimental studies. After completion of this course, students should be able to conduct a review of the literature on a topic, develop a hypothesis for a research study, design and conduct the study, analyze and interpret the data from the study, and write a research report of the study. Students will develop computer skills for: (i) word processing (Microsoft Word); (ii) use of spreadsheets for data entry (Excel); and (iii) statistical analysis of data (StatView and SuperANOVA).

Texts:

To be announced.

Grading and Requirements:

Homework Assignments: optional, for bonus points.
Laboratory Exercises: computer skills and statistical components, 10% of grade.
Exams: 3, 1-hour, short answer, stress student's ability to apply the course material to new situations, 18% each.
Papers: 3, 7 pp., reports of research studies either conducted in class or based on data collected by students, 12% each.

Prerequisites:

Psychology 301 with a grade of C or better, Mathematics 302 or higher-level mathematics course and a major in psychology.

Updated 19 October 1998
Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts
University of Texas at Austin

Some graphics courtesy of Ann Pommerehn