Research Methods I
Course Number: PSYC 3360
Prerequisites: PSYC 1301, MATH 1310 or equivalent and junior standing or permission of instructor
Semester: Fall, 2008
Professor: Dr. Gary A. Biel
Office Hours: 11:00 AM till noon, MTWR and 1:00 till 2:00 PM, MW, or by appointment.
Office Location: A. C. Schreiner #211R
Office Phone: 830-792-7453 or 453 on campus
EMAIL: gabiel@schreiner.edu
Website: schreiner.edu/faculty/gabiel
Class Location: Weir #221
Meeting Time: 1:15 PM to 2:30 PM, Tuesdays and Thursdays
Required Textbooks and Class Materials:
1) Success at Statistics, 3rd, by Pyrczak
2) Doing Psychology Experiments, 7th, by Martin
3) Inexpensive scientific calculator that can perform statistical computations.
Course Objectives:
The purpose of this course along with its companion course Research Methods II is to familiarize the student with the basic research methods utilized by scientists who study human behavior. You will also learn basic statistical procedures and use those procedures to analyze data that will be generated in simulated laboratory experiments. In addition, you will be exposed to, and get practice at presenting, research in standardized form for the behavioral sciences.
Measurement of Course Objectives and Course Requirements:
Readings: A reading assignment will be given before every class meeting. You must complete that assignment and come to class prepared to discuss what you have read. Discussion of text and lecture topics is essential in this class. The quantity and quality of your classroom participation is important.
Homework and Attendance: A homework assignment will be due at every class meeting. Each homework assignment will be worth 5 points. There will be 20 homework assignments for a total of 100 points for the semester. You must accompany your homework to class to get credit for the assignment Missing class is not recommended.
Testing: You will be required to take four section tests over materials covered in the text and in lecture. See the schedule below to determine the date of each test. Test date changes will be announced a week in advance. If you miss a test you must take a makeup test that will be scheduled at MY convenience. You must be in attendance on test dates unless you have informed me in advance and have a valid reason for being absent.
Research Paper: You will be required to begin an APA format research report by completing a literature review and the Introduction and Methods sections for a paper that will be finished in Research Methods II the following semester.
Grading Scheme:
Each of the four Section Tests will be worth 100 points. Your paper is worth 100 points and I will assign each individual a grade of between 0 - 100 for class attendance and participation (homework). You have the potential to earn 600 points. The grades will be broken down in this way:
537 to 600 = A
477 to 536 = B
417 to 476 = C
357 to 416 = D
less than 357 = F
Classroom Rules:
u No food, beverages or tobacco products will be allowed in the classroom.
u All cell phones and pagers must be set to silent mode.
u If you are disrupting the class by talking or if you are sleeping in class you will be asked to leave and counted absent for that day.
u Cheating in any form on a test or plagiarizing in a paper or other written assignment will result in a failing grade for that assignment and may result in a failing grade for the course.
SCHREINER UNIVERSITY IS COMPLIANT WITH SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973 WITH RESPECT TO PROVIDING ACADEMIC ADJUSTMENTS/AUXILIARY AIDS TO QUALIFIED STUDENTS. STUDENTS REQUIRING SUCH ACCOMMODATIONS SHOULD CONTACT THE SECTION 504 COORDINATOR IN ROOM 218, DICKEY HALL. SHOULD A FACULTY OFFICE PROVE INACCESSIBLE, SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS TO MEET OUTSIDE THE OFFICE CAN BE MADE FOR STUDENTS WITH MOBILITY IMPAIRMENTS.
Course Calendar
Important Dates: Reading & Homework Assignments
SS = Success at Statistics, DPE = Doing Psychology Experiments
8-28 First day of class
9-2 SS – Sections 1, 2 & 3
9-4 SS - Sections 4, 5 & 6
9-9 SS - Sections 7, 8 & 9
9-11 DPE – Chapter 1
9-16 DPE – Chapter 2
9-18 Test 1
9-23 DPE – Chapter 3
9-25 SS – Sections 10 & 11
9-30 SS – Sections 12 & 13
10-2 Lab Day – APA writing style
10-7 SS – Sections 14 & 15
10-9 Test 2
10-16 Lab and Paper Review – APA writing style
10-21 SS – Sections 16, 17 & 18
10-23 DPE – Chapter 4 and 5
10-28 DPE - Chapter 6
10-30 SS – Sections 19 through 22
11-4 SS – Sections 23 through 26
11-6 Test 3 First draft of Paper due
11-11 SS – Sections 27 & 28
11-13 Lab Day - APA writing style
11-18 SS – Sections 29 & 30
11-20 SS – Sections 31 & 32
11-25 DPE – Chapter 7
12-2 Review for test 4
12-4 Review for test 4
12-9 Test 4
12-17 Final Paper Due 10:30 AM