PSYC 230 - Introduction to Behavioral Science Research

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
This project-based course introduces students to research methods and design used in the behavioral sciences. The course prepares students to evaluate published reports of research and to design and to conduct research studies. Specific topics include the nature of psychology as a science, fundamental research issues, the preparation of research proposals and papers, and ethics in behavioral research.

Prerequisite ENGL 101, PSYC 201, MATH 107

Text
Bordens, Kenneth and Bruce Barringten-Abbott. (2022). Research Design and Methods: A Process Approach. 11th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Objectives
A. Identify the major approaches to conducting research in the behavioral sciences and the advantages and disadvantages of these methods.

B. Develop a comprehensive strategy for locating and using relevant scholarly materials to address psychological questions.

C. Analyze complex ideas from psychological studies.

D. Evaluate the reliability, validity, and generalizability of psychological studies.

E. Interpret statistical findings using common language.

F. Use statistical analysis software that is specific to the discipline to analyze data from a quantitative research study.

G. Discuss findings of the research study using electronic communication.

Content
A. The goals of behavioral science

B. The scientific method

C. Ethical issues in the conduct of psychological research

D. Basic and applied research

E. Conducting observations

F. Conducting surveys

G. Qualitative versus quantitative research

H. Experimental versus non-experimental research methods

I. Single-case and quasi-experimental designs

J. Data analysis and interpretation

K. Research reporting

Student Evaluation
A. Objective tests and essays

B. Annotated bibliography

C. Objective tests and essays

D. Objective tests and essays

E. Objective tests and essays

F. Research proposal and final research paper

G. Posting and discussion of research results on a discussion board

Bibliography
Cooper, H., Camic, P. M., Long, D. L, Panter, A. T., Rindskopf, D., & Sher, K. J. (Eds.). (2012). APA handbook of research methods in psychology. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

McBride, D. M. (2017). The process of research in psychology (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.

Mitchell, M. L., Jolley, J. M., & O’Shea, R. P. (2012). Writing for Psychology (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Nicol, A. A. M., & Pexman, P. M. (2010). Presenting your findings: A practical guide for creating tables (6th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Perrin, R. (2014). Pocket guide to APA style (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.

Sternberg, R. J. (2010) The psychologist’s companion: A guide to scientific writing for students and researchers (5th ed.). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.