Course overview
This course introduces students to the basic principles of research methods in Psychology. The focus of the course is on students learning how to do research in Psychology, with an emphasis on student-centred activities and problem solving. Students will learn about such key concepts as the scientific method; operationalizing constructs; independent and dependent variables; data types and ways of measurement; confounding variables; experimental and non-experimental design; questionnaire construction; developing and testing hypotheses; descriptive statistics and describing data graphically; and the ethics of research.
Course learning outcomes
- Understand and apply the fundamental principles of the research process as they relate to answering research questions in psychology
- Critically annalyse information particularly in relation to identifying causal and spurious relations in research claims
- Make decisions about the appropriate use of basic research techniques and research design as they apply to answering different psychological questions
- Utilize specific research skills as they relate to the development and implementation of research designs in psychology, including experimental manipulation, operationalizing variables, measurement, and making decisions about validity and reliability
- Effectively interpret and communicate research findings
- Identify appropriate techniques underlying different research approaches