RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGYRESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGYPSYC.314PSYC.314Bryan D. Devan, Ph.D.Bryan D. Devan, Ph.D.

CLASS MEETING: see syllabusLAB MEETING:TUES see syllabusOFFICE AND PHONE: LA3146; 410.704.3727OFFICE HOURS: see syllabusEMAIL: bdevan@towson.edu

WEBSITES:Homepage: http://pages.towson.edu/bdevanClass website: http://pages.towson.edu/bdevan/PSYC-314%20slides.htmOther resources: http://pages.towson.edu/bdevan/Res%20_Meth.htmLab website (LCN): http://pages.towson.edu/bdevan/LCN.htm (Internet Explorer only)

Myers, A. and Hansen, C. (2012). Experimental Psychology (7th Ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Wadsworth.

This is the course Textbook You could use a previous copy of the text:

But you are responsible for ALLassigned material from the new edition

6th Edition 5th Edition

TEXTBOOK:TEXTBOOK:

PREREQUISITES:PREREQUISITES:You may remain in this course only if you have passed "Introduction You may remain in this course only if you have passed "Introduction to Psychology" (PSYC 101), "Behavioral Statistics" (PSYC 212 or its to Psychology" (PSYC 101), "Behavioral Statistics" (PSYC 212 or its equivalent) and "Writing for a Liberal Education" (ENGL 102 or its equivalent) and "Writing for a Liberal Education" (ENGL 102 or its equivalent) with at least a grade of "C" (2.00 GPA) in each course. If equivalent) with at least a grade of "C" (2.00 GPA) in each course. If this is not the case, it is your responsibility to drop the course this is not the case, it is your responsibility to drop the course immediately. immediately.

Please present a transcript (either official or unofficial) to me by Please present a transcript (either official or unofficial) to me by the second course meeting so that I can verify that you have the second course meeting so that I can verify that you have successfully completed the course prerequisites. successfully completed the course prerequisites. A Towson A Towson University transcript may be printed by going to online services on University transcript may be printed by going to online services on the Towson University website. The trail to obtain an unofficial the Towson University website. The trail to obtain an unofficial transcript is as follows: transcript is as follows: Learner Services > Academics > View Learner Services > Academics > View Unofficial TranscriptUnofficial Transcript. From there you should be able to print a copy . From there you should be able to print a copy of your unofficial transcript.of your unofficial transcript.

UNIVERSITY CORE – UNIVERSITY CORE – ADVANCED COMPOSITION / ADVANCED COMPOSITION / ADVANCED WRITING ADVANCED WRITING LEARNING GOALS:LEARNING GOALS:Because this course fulfills the General Education I.D / University Core 9 Because this course fulfills the General Education I.D / University Core 9

requirement Advanced Composition / Advanced Writing, the knowledge and skills requirement Advanced Composition / Advanced Writing, the knowledge and skills you will obtain over the course of the semester will enable you to do the following you will obtain over the course of the semester will enable you to do the following via via writing research papers in psychologywriting research papers in psychology::recognize and recognize and employ models employ models and and practices of written communicationpractices of written communication specific to specific to a particular discipline or profession (i.e., a particular discipline or profession (i.e., psychologypsychology).).recognize and recognize and employ techniques of formatting and documentation employ techniques of formatting and documentation appropriate to appropriate to a particular discipline or profession (i.e., a particular discipline or profession (i.e., APA-styleAPA-style).).integrate material effectively from outside sources into their own prose.integrate material effectively from outside sources into their own prose.analyze and evaluateanalyze and evaluate complex discipline-based claims and complex discipline-based claims and current research current research questions.questions.demonstrate clear, effective prose, including through the demonstrate clear, effective prose, including through the practice of revisionpractice of revision..produce professional prose produce professional prose that follow accepted conventions of grammar, that follow accepted conventions of grammar, punctuation, and style.punctuation, and style.

OBJECTIVES OF THIS COURSE:OBJECTIVES OF THIS COURSE:Goal 1: Goal 1: Research Methods in PsychologyResearch Methods in Psychology Students will understand and Students will understand and

apply basic research methods in psychology including research design, apply basic research methods in psychology including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.data analysis, and interpretation.

Goal 2: Goal 2: Critical Thinking Skills in PsychologyCritical Thinking Skills in Psychology Students will respect and Students will respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and when possible, use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.processes.

Goal 3: Goal 3: Values in PsychologyValues in Psychology Students will be able to weigh evidence, Students will be able to weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.

Goal 4: Goal 4: Information and Technological LiteracyInformation and Technological Literacy Students will demonstrate Students will demonstrate information competence and the ability to use computers and other information competence and the ability to use computers and other technology for many purposes.technology for many purposes.

Goal 5: Goal 5: Communication SkillsCommunication Skills Students will be able to communicate Students will be able to communicate effectively in a variety of formats.effectively in a variety of formats.

In order to meet the learning goals described above, specific In order to meet the learning goals described above, specific learning outcomes for PSYC 314 include gaining of knowledge learning outcomes for PSYC 314 include gaining of knowledge and/or increased competence in:and/or increased competence in:thinking empirically thinking empirically using logical thinking in a research context.using logical thinking in a research context.critically examining and evaluating claimscritically examining and evaluating claims and information about and information about behavior.behavior.appreciation of appreciation of ethical issues ethical issues in psychological research.in psychological research.reading and critically evaluating journal articles reading and critically evaluating journal articles in psychology.in psychology.using online research databases using online research databases with a critical eye and with a critical eye and distinguishing between “good” sources and “poor” sources of distinguishing between “good” sources and “poor” sources of online information.online information.abilities to abilities to organize, summarize, and interpret dataorganize, summarize, and interpret data..using SPSS using SPSS for data entry and calculation of various descriptive for data entry and calculation of various descriptive and inferential statistics.and inferential statistics.communication of researchcommunication of research via writing and presenting via writing and presenting psychological research.psychological research.using APA-style using APA-style appropriately.appropriately.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:LEARNING OUTCOMES:

COURSE FORMAT:COURSE FORMAT:The course will include a combination of The course will include a combination of lecture materiallecture material, , including including multimedia presentationsmultimedia presentations, and , and open discussionopen discussion of of topics. The course is not constructed such that the lectures will topics. The course is not constructed such that the lectures will stand alone. Therefore, your participation in class discussion is stand alone. Therefore, your participation in class discussion is essential. essential.

You are expected to do the assigned readings before our You are expected to do the assigned readings before our discussion of the material in class (that is, if the material will be discussion of the material in class (that is, if the material will be discussed). This course also includes several lab assignments discussed). This course also includes several lab assignments and a hands-on research project that will require your and a hands-on research project that will require your participation.participation.

EXAMINATIONS:EXAMINATIONS:There will be four equally weighted exams in this course covering There will be four equally weighted exams in this course covering material from the textbook (Myers & Hansen, 2012) and lectures. material from the textbook (Myers & Hansen, 2012) and lectures.

Exams are given on the dates scheduled. Exams are given on the dates scheduled. Make-up exams will only be given if an Make-up exams will only be given if an exam is missed due to a medical emergency exam is missed due to a medical emergency or a religious holiday (a doctor’s note with or a religious holiday (a doctor’s note with the physician’s phone number must be the physician’s phone number must be presented in case of a medical emergency). presented in case of a medical emergency). No other reasons will be accepted. No other reasons will be accepted.

If you are going to miss an exam, you must contact me in advance of If you are going to miss an exam, you must contact me in advance of the exam. If you do not contact me in advance, you will not be the exam. If you do not contact me in advance, you will not be permitted to make up the exam and will receive a 0 for that exam. All permitted to make up the exam and will receive a 0 for that exam. All makeup examinations will be short essay in formatmakeup examinations will be short essay in format and must be and must be completed within three days of the student’s return to class. It is the completed within three days of the student’s return to class. It is the student's responsibility to arrange this time with the instructor.student's responsibility to arrange this time with the instructor.

ASSIGNMENTS:ASSIGNMENTS:Written assignmentsWritten assignments: Each student will submit 4 written assignments : Each student will submit 4 written assignments as follows:as follows:1- Introduction and References (10 minimum) (45 pts.)1- Introduction and References (10 minimum) (45 pts.)2- Methods (10 pts.)2- Methods (10 pts.)3- Results (15 pts.)3- Results (15 pts.)4- Final Report in APA Format (40 pts.)4- Final Report in APA Format (40 pts.)

Lab assignmentsLab assignments (10 pts.): During the course of the semester students (10 pts.): During the course of the semester students will be assigned laboratory activities that are designed to assist with will be assigned laboratory activities that are designed to assist with the completion of the above written assignments, mastery of textbook the completion of the above written assignments, mastery of textbook material and to meet the objectives of the course outlined above material and to meet the objectives of the course outlined above (Goals 1-4). Handouts of the assignments will be given in class or lab (Goals 1-4). Handouts of the assignments will be given in class or lab meetings and posted on the class website. meetings and posted on the class website.

Participation in research projectParticipation in research project (5 pts.): Students will complete a (5 pts.): Students will complete a virtual navigation task during lab time in order to generate a sham virtual navigation task during lab time in order to generate a sham data set that will be used by the class to complete part of the written data set that will be used by the class to complete part of the written assignments. Further details will be provided in class.assignments. Further details will be provided in class.

Attendance and participation in class discussion Attendance and participation in class discussion (5 pts.): Attendance (5 pts.): Attendance is essential to good performance in this course. A maximum of is essential to good performance in this course. A maximum of 5points will be awarded for attendance in lecture, class discussion and 5points will be awarded for attendance in lecture, class discussion and attendance in lab. An attendance sheet will be circulated at the end of attendance in lab. An attendance sheet will be circulated at the end of each class period and organized laboratory activity. each class period and organized laboratory activity.

GRADING:GRADING:

Four equally weighted exams (35 pts. each) in multiple-choice format Four equally weighted exams (35 pts. each) in multiple-choice format will be given. Taken together, the four exams will be worth 50% of will be given. Taken together, the four exams will be worth 50% of your grade. The remaining 50% of your grade will be based on the your grade. The remaining 50% of your grade will be based on the lab assignments described above. lab assignments described above.

Late written assignments will be penalized 10% of the point value for Late written assignments will be penalized 10% of the point value for each day the assignment is late (including Sat and Sun). The final each day the assignment is late (including Sat and Sun). The final breakdown of points available on the tests and lab assignments is as breakdown of points available on the tests and lab assignments is as follows:follows:

GRADING:GRADING:

Examinations Course Components

Exam #1 = 35 pts. Introduction and References = 45 pts. Exam #2 = 35 pts. Methods section = 10 pts. Exam #3 = 35 pts. Results section = 15 pts. Exam #4 = 35 pts. Final paper = 40 pts. Abstract (10 pts) Discussion (20 pts) Lab assignments = 10 pts. Research project (vMWM) = 5 pts.

Attendance/Participation = 5 pts. _______ _______ Total Exam pts = 140 Total assignment pts = 160 Total points for the course = 300

GRADING:GRADING:

Letter grades will be determined using the following scale: 94 – 100 % A (281 – 300 pts.) 90 – 93 % A- (269 – 280 pts.) 88 – 89 % B+ (263 – 268 pts.) 82 – 87% B (244 – 262 pts.) 80 – 81% B- (239 – 243 pts.) 78 – 79% C+ (234 – 238 pts.) 70 – 77% C (210 – 233 pts.) 67 – 69% D+ (200 - 209 pts.) 60 - 66% D (180 - 199 pts.) Below 60% F (less than 168 pts.)

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY EXPECTATIONSACADEMIC INTEGRITY EXPECTATIONS

Towson University’s full policy to address the variety of Towson University’s full policy to address the variety of behaviors that represent a breach of academic integrity can be behaviors that represent a breach of academic integrity can be found in Appendix F of the University Catalog. In addition, if found in Appendix F of the University Catalog. In addition, if you type in “Academic Integrity Policy” in the search box in you type in “Academic Integrity Policy” in the search box in the upper right-hand corner of the Towson University the upper right-hand corner of the Towson University webpage, you will be taken to a page of links. Click on webpage, you will be taken to a page of links. Click on “Towson University Policies” and open the “Academic “Towson University Policies” and open the “Academic Affairs” link. You will find a link to the full Academic Affairs” link. You will find a link to the full Academic Integrity Policy at that location. The site can be access by Integrity Policy at that location. The site can be access by clicking the following link: clicking the following link: https://inside.towson.edu/generalcampus/tupolicies/documents/03-https://inside.towson.edu/generalcampus/tupolicies/documents/03-01.00%20Student%20Academic%20Integrity%20Policy.pdf01.00%20Student%20Academic%20Integrity%20Policy.pdf

IMPORTANT!!!IMPORTANT!!!

Plagiarism & CheatingPlagiarism & Cheating1)1) No credit given (stole the idea)No credit given (stole the idea)

2)2) Credit given but used the same wordingCredit given but used the same wording

3)3) Cheating will not be tolerated Cheating will not be tolerated No lateral eye movements during examsNo lateral eye movements during exams

AttendanceAttendance1)1) Expected and necessaryExpected and necessary

2)2) Considered in the case of a Considered in the case of a

Borderline gradeBorderline grade

EMERGENCY STATEMENT:EMERGENCY STATEMENT:

In the event of a University-wide emergency, course requirements deadlines and grading schemes are subject to changes that may include alternative delivery methods, alternative methods of interaction with the instructor, class materials, and/or classmates, a revised attendance policy, and a revised semester calendar and/or grading scheme. In the case of a University-wide emergency, please refer to the following about changes in this course:– Course web page (see above)– Instructor’s email (see above)– Emergency telephone number (i.e., my mobile # -- 410/446-

1425)

POLICY ON LETTERS OF POLICY ON LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATIONRECOMMENDATION

Letters of recommendation may be required if you plan to apply to graduate or medical school. As a policy, I do not provide letters for students based on performance in a single class. It is important to get real research and laboratory experience when applying to programs in order for your application to be competitive. Consequently, I only write letters for students who have conducted research in our lab for at least 1 year. This policy ensures that I will be able to provide truly exceptional students with a substantive recommendation in the highly competitive fields of behavioral neuroscience and psychopharmacology. Typically, I will present students with the opportunity to work in our lab after they have demonstrated exceptional performance in class and as a lab volunteer during a trial period in which the student may demonstrate their competencies, dependability and dedication to gain valuable research experience. Only then will they be invited to become a lab member and register for PYCH.391/PSYC.491 where they may engage in research activities that will become the basis of a letter of recommendation. Getting an A grade in lecture class, helping with lab chores during a trial period as a lab volunteer or other non-research activities do not, in my mind, provide enough evidence/material to write a strong letter of recommendation, consequently it is a waste of both my time, and the student’s time and finances if the minimal requirements described above are not met.

EMERGENCY STATEMENT:EMERGENCY STATEMENT:

For general information about any emergency situation, please refer to the following: – Towson University’s Website: www.towson.edu– TU Text Alert System: This is a service designed to alert the

Towson University community via text messages to cell phones when situations arise on campus that affect the ability of the campus to function normally. Sign up: http://www.towson.edu/adminfinance/facilities/police/campusemergency/

– Please note: I will attempt to communicate with you via your Towson e-mail address, the course webpage (given above) and/or the course Blackboard site.

ARRANGEMENTS AND INFORMATIONARRANGEMENTS AND INFORMATION

- Students with DisabilitiesStudents with DisabilitiesPlease see mePlease see me

- Academic StandardsAcademic Standards1)1) Can only be repeated once without permission of Can only be repeated once without permission of

ASCASC

General infoGeneral info

turn off cell phones turn off cell phones

syllabus subject to change as neededsyllabus subject to change as needed

COURSE SCHEDULECOURSE SCHEDULEGENERAL SKELETON SCHEDULEGENERAL SKELETON SCHEDULE

CHECK YOUR SPECIFIC SCHEDULE IN THE SYLLABUSCHECK YOUR SPECIFIC SCHEDULE IN THE SYLLABUS))

Week Text Chapter/ Reviews Exams/Paper sections

1 Ch 1, Ch 16  2 Ch 2  

3 Ch 3  

4 Ch 5  5 Review References Due  Documentary  6   Exam 1  Ch 6 & 7 Early Introduction (Th, optional)7 Ch 8, Review  

8 Documentary Introduction Due (Th)

9   Exam 2  Ch 9  10 Ch 10    Review Methods Due11 Documentary  

   Exam 3

12 Ch 12  

13 Ch 13    Ch 15  14 Documentary Results Due (Th)15 Review ; Ch 16  

16 See scheduleFinal Exam (not cumulative), Final Paper Due (ALL SECTIONS, including Discussion and Abstract)

LAB SCHEDULELAB SCHEDULEGENERAL SKELETON SCHEDULEGENERAL SKELETON SCHEDULE

CHECK YOUR SPECIFIC SCHEDULE IN THE SYLLABUSCHECK YOUR SPECIFIC SCHEDULE IN THE SYLLABUS))

Week Topic Building/Room2 Prerequisite documents due Classroom3 Online psychology resources Cook Library4 Methods Overview Classroom5 Conference Session (Introduction) Classroom6 APA style and RefWorks Classroom7 RefWorks Computer lab8 Database building Computer lab9 Conference Session Methods Computer lab10 Statistics (review) Computer lab11 Statistics (descriptive and inferential) Classroom12 Data Collection Research lab13 Data Collection Research lab14 Results (SPSS output) Computer lab15 Results (written and graphic display) Computer lab

16Conference Session (Results, Discussion & Abstract)

Classroom

Note – for any meeting involving the Computer Lab, the initial period will be spent in the lab classroom to prepare for the lab assignments. Attendance and completion of lab work will be assessed during both lab phases. 

Why study Research Methods?

a) It’s a requirement for the psych major

b) It will prepare you for grad school

c) It may present opportunities to engage in active research, which helps with rec letters and getting into grad school

d) A sacrament to the flying spaghetti monster

e) all of the above

Brainstorming 1.0

What research question will you investigate?

Here’s are a couple that my lab is interested in…

memory enhancement (pharmacological and nutritional supplements)

sex differences and brain systems involved in memory formation

multiple memory systems and therapeutic intervention of age-related cognitive decline

Systems and Circuits

Multiple levels of organizationMultiple levels of organization

Synapses and Neurons

Genes and Molecules

Behavior and CognitionPsychology:The complete organism

Smaller parts

NeurogeneticsMolecular Biology

Top-down reductionism should be balanced with a bottom-up approach to put the organism back together

Why?

Can we go even smaller?

Why study behavior if the all the action Why study behavior if the all the action is at the molecular and genetic levels?is at the molecular and genetic levels?

The proof is in the behaviorThe proof is in the behavior

Answer:Answer:

A Drug company makes a major A Drug company makes a major discovery!discovery!

The silver bullet of longevity The silver bullet of longevity that could extend your life that could extend your life by 50 yearsby 50 years

But what if there was But what if there was no proof that it no proof that it

preserves cognitive preserves cognitive function?function?

Would you take a Would you take a longevity pill?longevity pill?

Genes and Aginghttp://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/3401/01.html

Resveratrol in red wine?

http://www.genesistoday.com/genesis_today_products/resv_berry_juice.html

One vice for another