This is an empirical research investigation in which each student majoring in psychology formulates his or her own research topic, collects and analyzes the data relevant to that topic, and prepares a formal report of the investigation consistent with the publication style of the American Psychological Association. Either laboratory or field research is acceptable. Normally taken during the fall semester of the senior year, although selection of the research topic may be done during the second semester of the junior year in PSYCH 4980 Introduction to Senior Research.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 2100 Psychological Statistics, PSYCH 2110 Research Methods in Psychology, PSYCH 4980 Introduction to Senior Research, and permission of the instructor.
PSYCH 4980 Introduction to Senior Research (4 hours)
In preparation for the psychology major's senior research project, the Introduction to Senior Research class allows the student to explore potential topics, to evaluate the literature within the student's topic of choice, to identify appropriate measurement instruments for the senior research project, to write a research proposal using APA style, and to complete a professional oral presentation of the research proposal. Small group collaboration and peer review will be encouraged. Typically taken the semester prior to PSYCH 4990 Senior Research.
Prerequisite(s): Major in psychology, PSYCH 2110 Research Methods in Psychology, and permission of the instructor.
Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Writing Instructive
Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Speaking Instructive
PSYCH 2100 Psychological Statistics (4 hours)
An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics as decision-making guides in psychology and related fields. Topics include organization, analysis, presentation, and interpretation of data with emphasis on the hypothesis testing model of inference. Specific procedures include z-tests, t-tests, analysis of variance, and correlation. A laboratory section is required for computational experience.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science and sophomore standing.
Recommended: College level mathematics course.
(Normally offered each semester.)
PSYCH 2110 Research Methods in Psychology (4 hours)
A course designed to introduce, apply, and evaluate the basic research methods of psychology. Emphasis is placed upon problems of research design and analysis in the laboratory and in natural settings. Students conduct investigations applying various designs and methods building skills in interpreting findings and in written communications.
Three lectures and one lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science and PSYCH 2100 Psychological Statistics.
(Normally offered each semester.)
