OBJECTIVES
Introductory methods of psychological research are presented. An analysis of various research designs is also examined. A research proposal, following APA format, is required. This course addresses the University Educational Goal #1, #2, #3, #5, #6, #8, #9, and #10 (see Undergraduate Bulletin).

TEXT
Smith, R.A. & Davis, S. F. The Psychologist as Detective (2^nd. Edition). N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 2001.

Chapter             Topic                                        Chapter                Topic
   1          The Science of Psychology                       8               Designing, Conducting, Analyzing,
   2          Research Ideas and Hypotheses                                and Interpreting Experiments with
   3          Ethics in Psychological Research                               Two Groups
   4          Nonexperimental Methods, Surveys         9               Designing, Conducting, Analyzing,
               and Questionnaires, Sampling                                    and Interpreting Experiments with
               and Basic Research Strategies                                    More than Two Groups
   5          The Basics of Experimentation I:              10               Designing, Conducting, Analyzing,
               Variables and Control                                                   and Interpreting Experiments with
   6          The Basics of Experimentation II:                               Multiple Independent Variables
               Final Considerations, Unanticipated       11              Alternative Research Designs
               Influences, and Cross-Cultural Issues    12              External Validity and Critiquing
   7          Designing, Conducting, Analyzing,                          Experimental Research
               and Interpreting Experiments with           13              Writing and Assembling an
               Two Groups                                                                   APA-Format Research Report

REQUIREMENTS
1. Read the assigned chapters.
2. Choose four articles from the following journals (one article from A and one from B
    categories and two articles from either C, D, or E categories) and write a critical
    review, 2-3 pages in length, by comparing the similarities and the differences of their
    research methods and reports (Due date: March 28).

A. American Psychologist
B. Psychology Today
C. a. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
     b. Journal of Social Issues
D. a. Journal of Clinical Psychology
     b. Journal of Abnormal Psychology
E. a. Journal of Experimental Psychology
    b. Journal of Experimental Analysis of Behavior

EXAMINATIONS
There will be three exams. Each exam will consist of multiple choice and essay questions from the assigned readings and the materials covered in lectures. These exams are not designed to be cumulative. Examinations will be held according to the following schedule:

1st. Exam:   FEBRUARY 10, 2003 (Chapters 1-4 & materials covered in lectures)
2nd. Exam:  MARCH 24, 2003       (Chapters 5-8 & materials covered in lectures)
Final Exam:  May 7, 2003                (Chapters 9-13 & materials covered in lectures)

GRADING                                                               GRADING SCALE
Article Review ....................................... 10%                A = 90%
Research Project and Class Report .... 25%                B = 80%-89%
1st. Exam ................................................ 20%                 C = 60%-79%
2nd. Exam ............................................... 20%                 D = 50%-59%
Final Exam .............................................. 25%                 F = 49%

ATTENDANCE POLICY
All students are expected to attend all scheduled class sessions. The failure to regularly attend detrimentally affects your final grade due to missed lectures.

DISABILITY POLICY
Any student who has a condition that may affect his/her academic performance is encouraged to make an appointment with me or with the Disability Services in Clement 140, Telephone (931)221-6230, to discuss this matter.

ACADEMIC AND CLASSROOM MISCONDUCT
Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately at all times. Academic and classroom misconduct will not be tolerated. Students must read the "Code of Student Conduct" in the new Student Handbook for an understanding of what will be expected of them within the academic setting.