Spring 2015
Classroom: D17
March 19 – May 21, 2015
Every Thursday
6:00-10:00 P.M.
Classroom: 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21
Online: 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30
Dr. Ray Redick, Psy.D.
Office: 788-4065
E-mail: rredick@ben.edu
PRE-ASSIGNMENT:
1. Review the syllabus
2. Read Chapter 1 in textbook - The Practice of Social Research
PSYC 351 RESEARCH METHODS IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION (3 credit hours)
An analysis of various theoretical approaches to the study of social sciences as well as discussion and
completion of the first two chapters of an original research design.
II. TEXTBOOK
Required Textbook:
Babbie, Earl. (2013). The Practice of Social Research, 13th ed. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.
ISBN: 1-133049796
ISBN: 978-1133049791
Supplement: (Not Required)
American Psychological Association. (2009). Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association. 6th Ed. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.
ISBN: 978-1-433805615
ISBN: 1-43380651-8
III. MISSION STATEMENT
Benedictine University is dedicated to the education of undergraduate and graduate students from
diverse ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds. As an academic community committed to liberal arts and
professional education distinguished and guided by our Roman Catholic tradition and Benedictine
heritage, we prepare our students for a lifetime as active, informed and responsible citizens and leaders
in the world community.
IV. GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
A. Benedictine Core Goals
Benedictine University's core mission is to prepare students for active participation in an increasingly
interconnected world. Its Core Curriculum advances this mission by enabling students to attain a broad
range of learning goals, listed below:
1. Demonstrate an effective level of cognitive, communicative, and research skills;
2. Achieve a college level of computational skills and an ability to understand and interpret numerical
data;
3. Acquire knowledge of the history and heritage of western civilization, to include:
 the contributions of religious faith and philosophical thought to understanding the person in
community,
 the relationship of the individual to society: membership and participation in groups and
institutions,
 scientific literacy through a knowledge of the history, the methods, and the impact of science on
the individual, society, and the environment, artistic and literary heritage;
4. Develop an understanding of global society: cultural diversity, mutual relationships, interdependence
of peoples and nations;
5. Apply liberal learning in problem-solving contexts as preparation for active participation in society;
6. Make informed ethical decisions that promote personal integrity, the legitimate rights and aspirations
of individuals and groups, and the common good.
B. COURSE OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the course (PSYC 351) students will be able to demonstrate their mastery of the
following objective/learning outcomes:
1. To be able to explain the scientific methods and be able to describe qualitative and quantitative
methods.
2. To identify research design strategies and to recognize threats to experimental methods.
3. To define reliability and validity and articulate strategies for improving these in research design.
4. To critically evaluate research articles and apply ethical guidelines for conducting research in social
science
5. To develop and write and present a research proposal.
6. To develop an understanding of social science research methods
7. To become familiar with the basic techniques of social science research.
8. To communicate effectively in oral and written form
V. TEACHING METHODS
This course is designed to teach students to reason, to study, and to understand the basics of social
science research theory and methods. Lecture, discussion, and assigned readings will be used to convey
the content. Discussion, exams, and papers will help to teach students to apply the material to problems.
VI. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Attendance Policy
Students must fully engage in the learning process, are expected to attend all class meetings, and are
held responsible for the full content of each course of study. A responsible academic life implies
systematic preparation in all course work. Students must devote sufficient time for adequate class
preparation. A minimum of two hours outside of class for every hour the course meets is a common
guideline. Students must understand that, depending on the course design and requirements, it may not
be possible to make up a missed class session. The student must negotiate any absence from a class for
participation in such events with the instructor prior to the absence from class. Students who miss a class
because of illness or personal emergency must contact the instructor before the class meeting.
Depending on the course design and requirements it may not be possible for a student to make up a
missed class session.
Schedule of Absenteeism Penalties
A. Four Absences
A. Full letter grade drop
B. Four late arrivals
B. Half letter grade drop
C. A combination of 4 from A & B
C. Half letter grade drop
This course is highly accelerated, and students will need to take a great deal of responsibility for their own
learning outcomes. Attendance is required in each class meeting for the full period of time. Any absence
must be due to extraordinary circumstances and will require documentation for it to be considered
excused. Documentation must be provided immediately in order to determine what, if any,
accommodations are reasonable or possible. Class attendance will directly impact your final grade, and
each undocumented absence will be considered unexcused and will result in a 20% reduction in the final
grade for the course.
Due to the accelerated nature of the course, should you experience a medical condition which prevents
you from attending any class(es), appropriate medical documentation must be provided immediately so it
may be determined what, if any, accommmodations are reasonable or possible.
Combined Effect of Tardiness, Early Departure and Non-medical Absences on Final Grades
Students who attend 90% of the total class hours provided will receive 100% of the final grade they have
earned. Students who do not attend at least 90% of the total class hours provided will receive a grade
reduction equivalent to the percent of class time missed that is more than 10% of the total class hours
provided. This applies to any combination of non-medical absences, tardiness, and/or early departures.
Medical absences for which appropriate documentation is provided will not be counted toward a grade
reduction for missed class. However, students should be aware that medical absences for which
accommodations cannot be made may affect opportunities to complete assigned work or accumulation of
the minimum hours necessary to be awarded credit for the class.
Students who are at risk of not meeting minimum attendance or participation requirements should contact
both the instructor and division chair before such a situation actually occurs, in order to make alternate
any arrangements for course completion that is both possible and reasonable.
Reading Assignments
Please see course.
Written and Oral Assignments
Journal Article Reviews (20 points) Students must research appropriate two scholarly journal articles,
read them and provide a review of the articles. Details are attached. The reviews must be submitted in
class on the day they are due, or it will not be accepted and the student will receive a failing grade for the
assignment. Only students who submit a verified medical excuse can make arrangements to submit the
paper late. We will be using SafeAssign for the paper assignments. More detail will be provided in class.
Online
Building on their comprehension of the basis of research design from the first three classes students will
then work more independently online for the next four sessions. Students will then return to classroom for
learning the more complex areas of data analysis and multivariate analysis and for presentations of their
thesis proposals.
Students will submit online chapter exercises and chapter exams by assigned due date. Students are
required to submit a rough draft a section at a time of their proposal for review. Instructor will provide
feedback and recommendations. Students must submit their assignments and papers via the D2L Drop
Box Function.
Exams:
There will be four exams during the semester (50 points each). Exams must be taken in class and online
on the exam day. Review guides will be distributed in class and posted on D2L.
Research Proposal
Research proposal (100 points). The student must produce a research proposal which will be used in the
following Senior Thesis class. Details are attached. Proposals must be submitted in class on the day they
are due, or they will not be accepted and the student will receive a failing grade for the assignment. Only
students who submit a verified medical excuse can make arrangements to submit the proposal late. We
will be using SafeAssign for the paper assignments. More detail will be provided in class. Each student
will give an oral report of their journal article review. Each student will give an oral presentation of their
research proposal lasting approximately 45 minutes with 5 minutes for question time from the class.
Benedictine University at Springfield Student Academic Honesty Policy
The search for truth and the dissemination of knowledge are the central missions of a university.
Benedictine University at Springfield pursues these missions in an environment guided by our Roman
Catholic tradition and our Benedictine heritage. Integrity and honesty are therefore expected of all
University students. Actions such as cheating, plagiarism, collusion, fabrication, forgery, falsification,
destruction, multiple submission, solicitation, and misrepresentation are violations of these expectations
and constitute unacceptable behavior in the University community.
Student’s Responsibility
Though there is no formal honor code at Benedictine University at Springfield, students are expected to
exhibit academic honesty at all times. Violations against academic honesty are always serious and may
result in sanctions that could have profound long-term effects. The final responsibility for understanding
the Academic Honesty Policy of the institution, as well as the specific policies for individual courses
normally found in syllabi, rests with students. If any doubt exists about what constitutes academic
dishonesty, students have the responsibility to talk to the faculty member. Students should expect the
members of their class to be academically honest. If students believe one or more members of the class
have been deceitful to gain academic advantage in the class, students should feel comfortable to
approach the faculty member of the course without prejudice.
Violations of the Academic Honesty Policy will be reported to the Office of the Dean of Academic Affairs.
Along with a verbal warning, the following are consequences a student may face for academic
dishonesty:
 a failing grade or “zero” for the assignment;
 dismissal from and a failing grade for the course; or
 dismissal from the Institution.
VII.
MEANS OF EVALUATION
Evaluations will be made using the following point system:
Attendance and participation
Journal reviews
Chapter Exercises
Exams
Project Proposal
Total Points
10 pts.
40 pts.
50 pts.
50 pts. each (200pts)
100 pts.
400 pts
A=400-360, B=359-320, C=319-280, D=279-240 F=below 239
The grade scale is as follows:
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = below 60%
Grade Appeal Process
If a student believes that an error has been made in reporting a grade, an appeal must be made in writing
to the instructor and must be initiated within 60 calendar days after the end of the term for which the
grade in question was reported. The appeal should contain specific information about why it is believed
the grade reported is inaccurate. See the Student Handbook for additional details.
Add/Drop Dates
Please refer to the current Academic Calendar for add/drop dates.
Incomplete Request
To qualify for an “I” grade, a minimum of 75% of the course work must be completed with a "C" or better
grade and a student must submit a completed Request for an Incomplete form to the Registrar’s
Office. The form must be completed by both student and instructor, but it is the student’s
responsibility (not the instructor's) to initiate this process and obtain the necessary signatures.
Student Withdrawal Procedure
It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from a course by completing the appropriate form,
with appropriate signatures, and returning the completed form to the Advising Office. Please refer to the
Student Handbook for important financial information related to withdrawals.
VIII. TOPICAL COURSE OUTLINE
First week assignment: Read chapter 1 in the Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences. Be
prepared to discuss the chapter in class.
Class schedule and reading assignments.
Week
Date
Discussion topic:
Week 1
3/19
Assignment:
Introduction; Librarian Presentation
Human Inquiry and Science
Overview of thesis proposal
Chapter 1
Week 2
3/26
Paradigms, Theory, Social Research
Chapters 2 and 3
Ethnics and Politics of Social Research
Week 3
4/2
Research Design
Exam 1 chapters 1-3
Conceptualization, Operationalization Chapters 4 and 5
Measurement
Journal Article Reviews
Week 4
4/9
Indexes, Scales, and Typologies Submit Chapters 6 and 7 exercises
The Logic of Sampling
Submit rough draft of Abstract
Review study guide for exam 2
Week 5
4/16
Experiments
Survey Research
Qualitative Field Research
Week 6
4/23
Unobtrusive Research
Evaluation Research
Week 7
4/30
Qualitative Data Analysis
Quantitative Data Analysis
Submit Exam 2 chapters 4-7
Submit chapters 8-10 exercises
Submit rough draft of Introduction
Submit Chapters 11 and 12 exercises
Submit rough draft of Literature Review
Review study guide for exam 3
Submit Exam 3 chapters 8-12
Post Chapters 13 and 14 exercises
Submit rough draft of Methodology
Week 8
5/7
The Logic of Multivariate Analysis
Statistical Analyses
Week 9
5/14
Reading and Writing Social Research
Week 10
5/21
Chapter 15-16
Rough draft of proposal due
Chapter 17
Proposal Due
Proposal presentations
Final Exam 15-17
IX. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
Benedictine University at Springfield provides individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations
to participate in educational programs, activities and services. Students with disabilities requiring
accommodations to participate in campus-sponsored programs, activities, and services, or to meet course
requirements, should contact the Resource Center as early as possible: springaccess@ben.edu or (217)
717-9253.
X. ASSESSMENT
Goals, objectives, and learning outcomes that will be assessed in the class are stated in this syllabus.
Instructor will use background knowledge probes, one-minute papers, reflective essays and/or other
Classroom Assessment Techniques as deemed necessary in order to provide continuous improvement of
instruction.
XI.
MOBILE & ELECTRONIC DEVICES
The use of cell phones, smart phones, or other mobile communication devices is disruptive, and
is therefore prohibited during class. Except in emergencies, those using such devices must leave
the classroom for the remainder of the class period.
Regardless of the activity being performed on a mobile computing device, a student who is asked
by the professor to close the lid of his/her laptop, turn off the monitor or other electronic device, or
simply put the device away must comply with the professor immediately.
PSYC 351
Journal Article Review
Due date 4/2/15
- Submit a copy of the journal article that was reviewed along with the review.
- 1-2 pages in length, typed, double-spaced
- Format:
 Identify the author and the study using APA style (1 point)
 Hypothesis - identify the study’s hypothesis (3 points)
 Study Context – describe how the hypothesis fits into the theoretical literature (4 points)
 Methodology – identify the research methods that were used (4 points)
 Main results – indicate the results of the analysis and write it in an understandable form (4 points)
 Conclusions – identify any limitations in the study, how it fits into the research agenda, what other
possible research questions are posed by the study, what you have learned from the study (4
points)
- Use your best writing and reasoning skills: 10 points of your grade will come from your writing and 20
points from content
- Do not plagiarize - Intentional plagiarism is grounds for an automatic failing grade. If you must use
someone else's work, give them credit. Cite using APA style. Plagiarism will not be tolerated in this
class. Intentional plagiarism will result in an automatic failing grade for that assignment.
PSYC 351
Research Project Proposal
Due date 5/7/15
- 15-20 pages in length, typed, double-spaced
- Use APA style
- Format:
 Title Page (1 point)
 Abstract one paragraph of 100-150 words (4 points)
o State the problem, the intent of the proposal, and the methodology to be used.
 Introduction 2 pages (10 points)
o State the problem and its importance, its background, the research question and the
variables which will be considered in the study.
 Literature Review (25 points)
o Describe the general theories which are related to the project, recent studies related to
the topic, and relevant methodological approaches from related studies.
 Methodology 2-3 pages (5 points)
o Describe the research design; detail the qualitative or quantitative approach, the data
collection methods including sampling, surveying or observational techniques, and the
data analysis technique which will be employed.
 References (5 points)
o There should be at least 10 sources cited preferably - all should be scholarly journal
articles or books.
- Use your best writing and reasoning skills: 20 points of your grade will come from your writing and 50
points from content.
- Do not plagiarize - Intentional plagiarism is grounds for an automatic failing grade. If you must use
someone else's work, give them credit. Cite using APA style. Plagiarism will not be tolerated in this
class. Intentional plagiarism will result in an automatic failing grade for that assignment.