Course:
METHODS OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH
AJU/PSY/SOC 3030
Prerequisites:
AJU/PSY/SOC 1100 & AJU/PSY/SOC 2030
Instructor:
James E. Horton
Office:
Phone:
Email:
Webpage:
Office Hours:
Textbooks: (Required)
131 Smiddy Hall
328-0136
jeh2b@uvawise.edu
http://people.uvawise.edu/jeh2b
Posted on Web Page
Shaughnessy, J. J. & Zechmeister, E. B. (2000).
Research Methods in Psychology 5th Ed., McGraw-Hill: NY
(Recommended) Zechmeister, E. B. & Shaughnessy, J. J. (1997).
A Practical Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology 3rd Ed., McGraw-Hill: NY
Course Objectives:
The course will cover the basic theory, methods and ethics of experimental and non-experimental
research in the social and behavioral sciences. At the completion of the course, the student should
possess an elementary working knowledge of the following areas of research methods.
1) The student should have an elementary knowledge of scientific theory of research
2) The student should have a basic understanding of ethical concerns of research
3) The student should be able to correctly participate in psychological observation.
4) The student should be able to design a survey to collect data and correctly analyze that data.
5) The students should be able to correctly design an informed consent form.
6) The student should be able to successfully design and complete an experiment.
7) The student should be able to properly report the results of their findings.
Class Attendance:
Students are expected to attend all class sessions. Attendance will be taken regularly. If extreme
circumstances cause you to miss a class, you should discuss the situation with me immediately.
Section Exams:
Two section exams will be given throughout the term.
Assignments:
Ten out of class assignments will be required for the term.
Research Paper:
One experimental research paper in APA format, including statistical analysis, will be
required for the term. The student will report the results of an experimental research project orally
using PowerPoint and in written format.
Final Exam:
The final exam will be comprehensive.
Grading:
Your grade will be determined by your class participation, section exams, out of class
assignments, a research paper, and the final exam.
Class participation
Section exams 2 @ 15% ea
Assignments 10 @ 2% ea
Research paper (oral presentation)
Research paper (written format)
Final exam
10%
30%
20%
10%
10%
20%
100%
Honor Code:
The Honor Code of The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is fully and unconditionally
supported in this course. Violations of the Honor Code will be prosecuted through the Honor Court.
Special Accommodations:
If you have any type of learning disability or problem which might require special accommodations,
please inform me at the beginning of the term to enable appropriate arrangements to be made.
Date
8/25
Tentative Schedule and reading assignments:
Chapter
Syllabus
Assignments
Book-bag Observation
1 Introduction
9/1
9/8
2 Ethics
Book bag Observation due
2 Ethics
Book bag Analysis due
HIC Protocol
3 Observation
9/15
9/22
9/29
5 Unobtrusive Measures
4 Correlation
Survey form (Start)
EXAM 1
Start Literature Search
6 Independent Groups
Independent Groups ANOVA
7 Repeated Measures
Repeated Measures ANOVA
8 Complex Designs
10/6
Factorial ANOVA
EXAM 2
APA Format
Survey Analyses due
10/13
SEMESTER BREAK
10/20
9 Single Case Designs
Independent Groups ANOVA due
10/27
10 Quasi-Experiments
Repeated Measures ANOVA due
Experiment
Survey form due Paper & PPT Presentation
11/3
Paper & PPT Presentation
11/10
Paper & PPT Presentation
11/17
Paper & PPT Presentation
11/24
THANKSGIVING BREAK
11/29
Paper & PPT Presentation
12/1
Paper & PPT Presentation
12/6
Present Research
12/8
Present Research