Psych 306: Research Methods in Psychology

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Questions and Answers

Which research strategy involves manipulations to establish cause-and-effect relationships?

Correlational research

Single-subject designs

Descriptive research strategy

Experimental strategy (correct)

What type of design compares the effects of different treatments within the same group of participants?

Factorial designs

Between-subjects design

Within-subjects design (correct)

Non-experimental design

Which of the following is a characteristic of quasi-experimental designs?

They do not allow for causal conclusions. (correct)

They include random assignment to groups.

They are always conducted in a controlled environment.

They require a large sample size for validity.

What does the replication crisis in research refer to?

The inability to recreate existing research results consistently. Signup and view all the answers

Which research approach is primarily focused on observing and describing behaviors without manipulating variables?

Descriptive research strategy Signup and view all the answers

What is one objective of the Psych 306 course?

To familiarize students with research methods used by psychologists Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a prerequisite for enrolling in Psych 306?

Psych 204 (statistics) Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended for students lacking the prerequisites for Psych 306?

To wait until they have the necessary prerequisites Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a topic covered in Psych 306?

Neuroscience techniques Signup and view all the answers

What is a key focus for students in Psych 306 regarding research?

To think critically about research findings Signup and view all the answers

What kind of data is best represented by a line graph?

Continuous data over a time period Signup and view all the answers

Which type of data is an example of ordinal data?

Severity of pain on a 1-7 scale Signup and view all the answers

When should a pie chart be used?

To display percentages of each category in a whole Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of bar graphs?

Comparing categorical data across different groups Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about continuous data is true?

Continuous data can vary on a continuous scale. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the final grade is made up by the Midterm 1 exam?

37% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT included as part of your responsibility for the course?

Attending all in-person lectures Signup and view all the answers

What is an additional resource mentioned that can aid in studying but is not required?

Mindtap study aid Signup and view all the answers

How many homework assignments will be administered in the course?

4 Signup and view all the answers

What method of attendance is explicitly mentioned as an option in the course?

In-person or online (recorded lectures) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the lecture component of the course is correct?

Complex content will be introduced gradually throughout the course. Signup and view all the answers

What is the total percentage of extra credit that can be earned from the Psychology Participant pool?

2% Signup and view all the answers

What should students do with older editions of the textbook?

Compare them with the latest edition to check for changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a missed exam according to the guidelines?

A medical note sent via email to the instructor Signup and view all the answers

What should students do to prepare effectively for Psych 306 lectures?

Read the material before the lecture Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the final exam in Psych 306 is true?

It is non-cumulative and delivered in person. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method to enhance learning in Psych 306?

Studying with others to reinforce knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What type of evaluation methods will be included in both the midterm and final exams?

Multiple choice and some short answers Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is critical when interpreting graphs in research?

Understanding the relationship between x- and y-values Signup and view all the answers

What should students expect from the sample questions provided on MyCourses before the exams?

They will reflect the types of questions on the exams. Signup and view all the answers

What do the x-values and y-values represent in common data presentations like graphs?

X-values represent the independent variable, y-values represent the dependent variable Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Psych 306: Research Methods in Psychology
Professor: Caroline Palmer
Contact: [email protected]
Prerequisites: Psych 100, Psych 204, co-requisite: Psych 305
Restrictions: must be U2 or higher
Format: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:35-3:55 PM, McConnell Engineering Room 304
Lectures will be recorded and accessible on MyCourses

Course Objectives

Familiarize students with research methods used in various behavioral sciences, including psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience
Enhance understanding of how scientists design research, gather information, study behaviors, and disseminate findings
Empower students to critically analyze research and become informed consumers of information
Provide a foundational understanding of research methodologies for students interested in conducting their own research

Course Topics

The scientific method: hypothesis testing, measurements, participant selection, research ethics, avoiding biases
Different research strategies: descriptive, correlational, experimental
Design types: between- and within-subjects, non-experimental, quasi-experimental, factorial, single-subject
Replication crisis and open science

Course Materials

Required textbook: Gravetter & Forzano (2018), Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences (6th ed.)
Additional resources: Syllabus, readings outside the text, assignment information, recorded lectures, supplemental links, discussion forum on MyCourses

Instructor and Teaching Assistants

Professor Palmer's email: [email protected]
Teaching assistants: Charlotte Caswell and Rachael Manning
Contact TAs via email addresses on the syllabus or MyCourses Zoom links for office hours
Remember to include "PSYCH 306" in the subject line when contacting instructors or TAs.

Assessment

Final grade: Midterm 1 (37%) + Final Exam (37%) + Assignments (26%)
Four homework assignments administered online
Extra credit: Earn up to 2% credit by participating in the Psychology Participant pool
Documentation required for missed exams.
Students with conflicting schedules should contact Professor Palmer two weeks before the exam to arrange adjustments.

Course Expectations and Tips

Come to class prepared by reading ahead of time
Actively participate in discussions and ask questions
Study groups encouraged to enhance learning
Become a savvy data consumer by understanding and interpreting graphs
Familiarize yourself with common data presentation types: line graphs, bar graphs, and pie charts

Studying That Suits You

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts from Psych 306, focusing on research methodologies used in behavioral sciences, including psychology and neuroscience. It will assess your understanding of the scientific method, hypothesis testing, and research ethics. Prepare to engage with essential topics that will enhance your critical analysis skills.