Description:

This class covers both research design and statistics. In the design section, we will discuss the nature of science, psychology as a science, the process of research design, and some of the principle designs used in psychology studies. In the statistics section, we will learn the use of statistics, statistical reasoning, and several of the tests used most frequently in psychology. The course contains a laboratory section, as well. In the lab, students will be taught to use the Macintosh computers, becoming familiar with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. As the primary work in the lab, each student will develop an original research project (either individually, or in a small group), which will be conducted over the course of the semester. The students will use the statistics that they are learning to analyze the data from this project, and will write up a final research report in APA format.

Texts:

Required:
Graziano & Raulin. Research methods: A process of inquiry. (3rd ed.)
Diekoff. Basic statistics for the social and behavioral sciences.

Recommended:
Graziano & Raulin. Research methods: A process of inquiry (study guide). (3rd ed.)

Grading and Requirements:

Exams: 3 - 54%
Daily Quizzes: 6%
Lab Project -

Bibliography - 4%

Proposal - 12%

Final Report - 20% Homework - 4%

Prerequisites:

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

Updated 16 June 1998
Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts
University of Texas at Austin

Some graphics courtesy of Ann Pommerehn