Required:
- Research Methods in Psychology, 7th Edition, Elmes, D.G., Kantowitz, B.H., and Roediger, H.L.
Suggested:
- Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th Edition. (on reserve?)
- Introductory Statistics, 6th Edition, Neil A. Weiss.
This is an introductory course in psychological experimentation. In it you will learn how to design, conduct, and analyze research in psychology. Statistical analysis is emphasized, and the course is intended to be taken in after completing the second semester of the year-long introductory statistics course offered by Mathematical Sciences.
We will conduct two in-class experiments. You will analyze the data from these experiments and write short reports (3-6 pages), following the style guidelines of the American Psychological Association. This is a writing intensive (i.e., W) course.
You will also plan and conduct an investigation of your own design. This project will constitute a substantial part of your grade. Written Human Subjects Proposals for your independent research project are due March 11. Final copies of the paper are due by 4:00 p.m., May 4 (to your instructor or in his/her mailbox in 232 Ames). You will also give a short oral presentation on your project during the final two weeks of class (April 27 – May 4).
All of the statistics you are required to calculate for this class may be done with any statistical software with which you are familiar. If you do not have a JHU computer account or are unfamiliar with the package, see your instructor in 550.112.
There is one cumulative examination, on research design and statistics. The final exam will take place at on FRIDAY, May 13th (2-5 pm). There will be no make-up examination.
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Final Project: |
25% |
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2 Short Papers: |
20% |
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Homework & Quizzes: |
15% |
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Final Exam: |
15% |
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Midterm Exam: |
10% |
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Presentation: |
10% |
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Class Participation: |
5% |
Assignments must be turned in at the class meeting for which they are due. Late assignments will be penalized 5% per day.
In the recent past, several students in this course have been caught up in cases of academic dishonesty. This may result from a lack of understanding about plagiarism or an underestimation of the consequences. To prevent problems in the future, we suggest that you consult the resources provided by the University and the Undergraduate Academic Ethics Board (http://ethics.jhu.edu).
It is an important and necessary responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. We will respond to any instance of cheating or plagiarism – intentional or not – by assigning a failing grade for the course. All instances will be reported to the Ethics Board, as per the Ethics Board Constitution.
You can boost your final grade by 1/3 (e.g., B+ to A-) by participating in psychology experiments. You will have to participate in 5 experiments to earn this extra credit. (Note: You cannot use extra credit to go from a grade of A to an A+.)
To register for experiments, visit http://www.experimetrix.com/jhu
For information on how to register visit http://www.psy.jhu.edu/~lapd/extracredit.htm