Time Schedule:
Anthony G. Greenwald
PSYCH 528
Seattle Campus
Examination of methodological, practical, and communication problems associated with research on human behavior. Topics include: selecting research problems, use of theory, types of validity, common sense about statistics, when to replicate, dealing with unpredicted results, strategies for presentation and publication. Offered: Sp.
Class description
NOTE: Class meets in Guthrie 57 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The skills required for successful research on human behavior are diverse. The range of skills cultivated in this course is correspondingly diverse, encompassing analyzing the validity of research methods, mastering methods of data analysis, formulating goals of research, and effectively communicating research findings.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Methods of instruction include lectures on methods, readings on important contributions to method, and in-class discussion in which students have the chance to develop and express perspectives on controversial questions of method.
Recommended preparation
Two quarters of graduate statistics (Psych 524 & 525 or equivalent) is essential background for the data analysis methods on which homework will be assigned.
Class assignments and grading
Assignments include (a) readings associated with topics; (b) data analysis homework assignments on 3-4 topics during the quarter; and (c) written portions of the report of an ongoing original research project in which the student is already engaged (there are no research projects conducted as part of the course work).
The bulk of grading is based on homework. Half of the grades is for getting assignments done on time, another 35% for quality of the work submitted, and the remaining 15% of the grade is for quality of contributions to in-class discussions.
