Research Methods 2500-EN_O_13
During this course we will use two basic perspectives while looking at the
psychology as a science. We will try to identify all the things psychology
has in common with other empirical sciences, as well as indicate the
unique characteristics of psychology making psychological research so
fascinating and - sometimes - difficult.
The aim of the seminar is to take an in-depth look at some of the topics
covered during the lecture. Learning the basics of research methods is a
bit similar to second-language acquisition: it requires some patience and
plenty of practice. Due to the large amount of required readings this
course might be demanding in terms of both time and effort. Hopefully it
will be counterbalanced by the selection of interesting research examples
covering diverse topics including sex, drugs, rock-and-roll and
psychologists trapped forever in “scientific hell”.
At the end of the course students are expected to understand and
consciously apply knowledge concerning diverse aspects of psychological
research methodology: scientific method and its philosophical
underpinnings, different ways of conducting research, basics of
experimental design, confounds and ways of dealing with them, theory of
psychological measurement, problems of reliability, internal and external
validity, basic notions used in statistics, as well as ethical issues involved
in conducting and communicating research results.
Type of course
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes Student will become aware of the differences between common
sense and scientific knowledge based on empirical findings. (K_W11)
Student will know basic concepts and notions related to experimental
and non-experimental research methods. (K_W12)
Student will gain conceptual understanding of basic statistical
concepts (descriptive statistics, significance testing, etc.). (K_W09,
K_W10)
Students knows different methods used to operationalize
psychological concepts including basic understanding of
psychometrics. (K_W12, K_W13)
Student knows how to conceptualize psychological problems by
formulating hypotheses and research questions. (K_U03)
Student understands the complex interplay between finding the
optimal research solution and limitations stemming from ethical
standards. (K_U13)
Students is able to critically assess validity of research finding
reported in mass-media. (K_U17)
Student has basic skills needed to undertake empirical research
projects. (K_K01)
Student follows ethical standards and responsibilities of members of
scientific community. (K_K03)
Assessment criteria
Assessment methods and criteria
The Final grade depends on:
For the lecture part:
Quizzes
Final exam (multiple–choice questions)
The final score will be a weighted average computed according to the
following formula: 20%* (quizzes) + 80% * (final exam score)
To pass the lecture part, your total score AND your final exam score
should be above 50%
For the seminar part:
Quizzes
Presentation
Final test
The final score will be a weighted average computed according to the
following formula: 30%* (short quizzes) + 30%* (presentation) + 40%*
(final exam).
In order to pass the course, both the seminar part and the lecture
part must be above 50%
Grading scale:
95% + = 5!
90-94% = 5
80-89% = 4.5
70-79% = 4
60-69% = 3.5
50-59% = 3
below 50% = 2 (fail)
Attendance rules
For the lectures:
1. Attendance is not obligatory, however I strongly recommend not to
skip the lectures.
2. There is no way to make up for the points lost due to the absence
during short in-class quizzes.
For the seminars:
1. Attendance is obligatory. No more than two unexcused absences are
allowed.
2. There is no way to make up for the points lost due to the absence
during short in-class quizzes.
Additional information
Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: