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PSYC A331F
Research Methods in Psychology
Spring 2021
Course Coordinator
Dr. Grand Cheng
Email: ghlcheng@ouhk.edu.hk
Course Description
This course is designed to extend the learning of students from introductory statistics courses
(i.e., STAT A221F and STAT A222F) to more advanced research methods used in
psychological research. For consideration of taking PSYC A421F Psychology Honors Thesis
in Year 4, students must obtain B+ or above in this course.
Course Aims
This course aims to provide students with the fundamental knowledge of major research
methods and designs used in psychology. This course exposes students to the statistics that
are commonly used in psychological research. This course also equips students with practical
skills and training in data analysis. By completing this course, students will be able to come
up with research ideas, conduct research projects and write up proper research reports.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Understand the basic concepts/theories of the major research methods and designs in
psychological research;
2. Evaluate the ethical issues in psychological research;
3. Evaluate and conduct different research designs in psychological research;
4. Conduct data analysis and interpret analysis results; and
5. Conduct a research project and write up a research report.
Textbooks
Gravetter, F. J., & Forzano L. B. (2019). Research methods for the behavioral sciences (6th
ed.). Cengage.
Dancey, C., & Reidy, J. (2017). Statistics without maths for psychology (7th ed.). Pearson.
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Assessment
Continuous Assessment (OCAS) (60%)
- Individual assignment 1 (15%)
- Individual assignment 2 (25%)
The assignments have to be uploaded to OLE by the deadline. Late submission will NOT
be accepted, and will incur zero mark.
- Mid-term test covers lectures 1 to 7 (20%)
Final examination (OES) (40%)
- Exam covers all lectures
Note:
The course grade is mainly determined by the overall course score (CS) yet students are
normally required to obtain a minimum in both overall examination score (OES) and overall
continuous assessment score (OCAS) set by the University in order to obtain a Pass result. To
be awarded a particular course grade, students must meet the minimum CS set by the Award
Committee.
Lecture and Tutorial Timetable
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
9:00-10:00
T1
C412
10:00-11:00
11:00-12:00
12:00-13:00
T3
C412
13:00-14:00
Lecture
14:00-15:00
15:00-16:00
16:00-17:00
17:00-18:00
Fri
T6
D627
T5
D625
Note: Tutorials are conducted in PC laboratories.
T7
D626
T2
C412
T4
C412
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Schedule
Week
Lecture
Wed
Topic
Tutorial
Mon
Wed
Thur
Fri
Topic
Feb 15
Feb 17
Feb 18
Feb 19
Feb 22
Feb 24
Feb 25
Feb 26
1. Introduction (1-2)
2. Descriptive statistics (3)
1
Feb 17
2
Feb 24
3
Mar 3
3. Measurement (3)
Mar 1
Mar 3
Mar 4
Mar 5
4
Mar 10
4. Statistics (15)
Mar 8
Mar 10
Mar 11
Mar 12
5
Mar 17
5. Ethics (4)
Mar 15
Mar 17
Mar 18
Mar 19
6
Mar 24
6. Participants (5)
Mar 22
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
7
Mar 31
7. Validity (6)
Mar 29
Mar 31
Apr 1
Apr 2
8
Apr 7
8. Mid-term test*
Apr 5
Apr 7
Apr 8
Apr 9
9
Apr 14
Apr 12
Apr 14
Apr 15
Apr 16
10
Apr 21
Apr 19
Apr 21
Apr 22
Apr 23
11
Apr 28
Apr 26
Apr 28
Apr 29
Apr 30
12
May 5
12. Survey (12-13)
May 3
May 5
May 6
May 7
13
May 12
13. APA style (16)
May 10
May 12
May 13
May 14
11. Regression (12)
14
May 19
14. Revision**
May 17
May 19
May 20
May 21
12. Revision
1-2. Introduction (1-2)
9-11. Experiment
(7-11)
Assignment
3. Distribution &
hypothesis testing (4-5)
4. Correlation (6)
5-6. t-test & issues of
significance (7-8)
7. Chi-square test (9)
A1 due on Apr 16 (F) at 23:00
8-10. ANOVA (10-11)
A2 due on May 21 (F) at 23:00
* Online from 12:00 on Apr 7 (W) to 12:00 on Apr 8 (H). You may attempt the test whenever within these 24 hours. Once you start the test, you need to
finish it in 45 mins. Please plan ahead and reserve time for the test. If you miss the test, you will get zero mark for this component.
** Video available until 17:00 on May 21 (F).