Chabot College
Fall 2010
Course Outline for Psychology 2
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGICAL METHODOLOGY
Catalog Description:
2- Introduction to Psychological Methodology
3 units
Introduction to scientific method in the study of human and animal behavior. Experience in
designing, performing, and reporting behavioral science experiments and surveys. Includes
fundamentals of research design, hypothesis testing, and reasoning in inferential statistics.
Strongly Recommended: Psychology 1. 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
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explain elementary research designs in the behavioral sciences;
define terminology and conventions used in research journals;
perform a literature search using electronic and print sources;
write research reports (APA format);
explain the logic of hypothesis testing;
apply the rationale of statistical inference;
evaluate critical issues in behavioral research and philosophy of science;
identify career opportunities in psychology.
Course Content:
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Introduction: epistemological considerations
Essential features of the scientific method
Methods of observation: a comparison of correlational and experimental approaches
Achieving control by design and randomization
Elementary research designs in behavioral science
a. between group designs
b. within group designs
c. factorial designs
Reporting Research
a. American Psychological Association format
b. Literature search procedures
The logic of hypothesis testing
The rationale of statistical inference
Asking good research questions: the importance of theory
Survey methods
Issues in behavioral research and philosophy of science
Fields of psychology, career opportunities in psychology
Methods of Presentation:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Read about, complete projects on, and discuss examples of research
b. Complete a group research project
c. Perform an analysis of a journal article
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Examinations and quizzes
b. Research papers
Chabot College
Course Outline for Psychology 2 , Page 2
Fall 2010
c.
Final examination
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Methods in Behavioral Research, Cosby, Mayfield Publishing Co., 2009, 10th edition.
Taking Sides, Slife, Dushkin Publishing Co., 2008.
Special Student Materials:
None.
PSY 2, revised 9/09: cs