Experimental Psychology 2500-EN_O_33
This course is designed to introduce students to the philosophy,
principles, and methods of scientific research in experimental psychology.
Students will learn how to plan, conduct and analyze their own
experimental research, and how to communicate the results of their
research to others. Students will develop the knowledge and skills to
apply and critique the scientific method in future courses (e.g.
empirical/theoretical paper, master thesis).
Course objectives:
To help students become (more) comfortable with experimental
research. Although our goal is not (necessarily) to master
computational aspects of statistics, students will be expected to
master some statistical concepts.
To develop an understanding of the language, methods, and
standards of scientific research.
To enable students to generate research questions of interest,
and teach them how they can use the tools of research and
statistical methods to address their questions. This includes
learning how to phrase research questions, formulating
hypotheses, conducting computerized/internet literature
searches, following ethical principles, selecting an appropriate
design and sampling strategy, forming appropriate conclusions,
and writing a paper that effectively describes the research. If one
cannot effectively communicate one’s research findings, those
findings will remain generally unknown.
To develop an appreciation of the need for a commitment to
research as part of the life of scientist or/and professional
psychologists.
To help students develop a general spirit of inquiry and an ability
to think critically.
Type of course
Learning outcomes
Students:
Will learn practically the basics logic of empirical study
Will develop skills with a range of practical procedures in order to
create and conduct empirical study.
After completing the course student will be able to ask valid
research question, set correct hypothesis, plan and conduct study
to address the hypothesis. Analyze and interpret results and
report it in written and oral form.
Students will be able to read and understand and evaluate
critically other empirical work.
Assessment criteria
Class participation is mandatory this is a 30 hours course so two absences
are allowed (regardless the reasons).
Research Project (40 points) Throughout the semester, you will be
working in a small groups to complete a research project. The research
project will include generation of a research topic, data collection, data
analysis, and presentation of the results. Your final grade will be based on
two things: group presentation, and paper.
Paper (25 points): You will write up your research project in APA
format including a title page, abstract, introduction, method,
results, discussion and references. You will be graded on the
content of your paper, the quality of your writing, and APA
formatting.
Presentation (15): On the last day of class, you will have a small
paper session for only the students in class. At this session, each
group will need to present their research project (~15 minutes)
and answer one question, regarding your research project.
Homework: During semester there will be several homework assignments
in total worth 30 points.
Exams: There will be two exams, midterm (10 points) and final (20 points)
if you fail you can retake any of them after end of the course.
Unannounced quizzes: During course You should expect ~3 unannounced
quizzes concerning assigned literature. A quiz can allow you to gain points
(if you score more than 70%), have no influence on your points (between
50% and 70%), or loose point (if you score less than less than 50%). In
total you can gain (or loose) a maximum of 15 points.
Course requirements:
Class participation. (max 2 absences, regardless of excuse)
Completing all class assignments (project and homework).
Passing exams
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: