PSYC 515 Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology II

This course examines advanced research methodology and statistical techniques for psychological research. This course equips students to design, conduct, and present research using APA formatting guidelines. A computer software package is used for analysis of data. (Crosslisted with MSPS 505)

The purpose of this course is to provide further understanding of research methods. This course will build on previous course work and guide the student through the decision-making process regarding the selection of appropriate analytic techniques, interpretation of statistical results, and presentation of data and findings in order to prepare the student to become proficient a consumer and producer of research in the field of psychology.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview. 

Peer-Review Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. This is most useful in research methods when seeking feedback from peers and disseminating research results. Therefore, in this course each student will create a thread to share two research paper drafts as part of a multi-stage Research Project. Each thread must include all of the required sections (see Canvas for more details) and must have at least five (5) scholarly citations in current APA format. The student will also reply to at least one (1) other classmates’ threads for this assignment. All replies must be at least 100 words. Each reply must incorporate at least two (2) scholarly citations in current APA format. Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable sources include peer reviewed journal articles in the field of psychology unless otherwise indicated in that specific assignment’s instructions. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

SPSS Worksheet Assignments (4)

The student will complete four (4) SPSS worksheets. These activities assess application of SPSS, interpretation of SPSS output, and presentation of research findings using APA conventions based on current and previous assigned readings and presentations. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Research Project Assignments (2)

In addition to the Peer-Review Discussions, the student will complete two additional assignments to complete the Research Project. This collection of assignments will give the student an opportunity to develop a research question, read published research relevant to the proposed research question, choose a research design, collect data, run a statistical test, interpret the results, and present them in written form using professional conventions. Instructions from the Institutional Review Board regarding how to administer this survey must be followed. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Research Project: Design Assignment

The purpose is to scaffold the process of designing and conducting a research study. In this first phase, the student will submit a research proposal and survey by completing the form provided and creating the survey. 

Research Project: Final Paper Assignment

The student will submit the Final Paper, including all revisions and suggested changes from the instructor. The paper must include all of the required components (which should make up about 6-8 pages of content), include at least 10 scholarly sources, and adhere to current APA format.

Quizzes (8)

The student will complete eight (8) weekly quizzes. Each quiz’s content will be from its assigned Module: Week (non-cumulative) and will not require use of SPSS. Each quiz will be 25 multiple-choice questions. The quizzes will be open book/open notes, but no other forms of collaboration are allowed. The quizzes will have no time limit, but are limited to one attempt. (CLO: A, C)