Research Methods in Psychology

DESCRIPTION: 
Systematic presentation and evaluation of research methods, designs and tools in psychological science. A variety of research methods for data collection, (observation, interview, and experiment) as well as qualitative (interpretative phenomenological analysis, grounded theory) and quantitative data analysis (descriptive and inferential) are covered. Logic of scientific thinking, ethical dimension and dilemmas of research process, use of computerized database searches and statistical program for data analysis, writing research reports. Laboratory sessions complement the lectures.

RATIONALE: 
This course offers an integrated approach to scientific thinking, research practices, methods and analyses of psychological data. The course provides students (a) with the essential conceptual knowledge to evaluate critically research findings and (b) with the practical skills necessary to carry scientifically and ethically sound empirical projects. It requires background knowledge on basic psychological concepts and statistics It is essential in helping students to become more critical consumers of research findings, devise a research design and develop organisational and self-reflective skills carrying out an empirical study .

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 
As a result of taking this course, a student should be able to:
1. Perform competent literature search to formulate empirical questions, and select appropriate methods and procedures to answer research questions.
2. , Perform statistical analyses with SPSS in agreement to specific questions and forms of data, and effectively communicate research findings and conclusions.
3. Apply ethical principles conducting research and write publishable research reports using the current APA format.
4. Distinguish between types of quantitative and qualitative methods of research and critically assess their advantages and disadvantages.
5. Classify sampling methods, explain the concepts of reliability and validity, and critically discuss them in view of various methodological approaches.
6. Recognize ethical research practices and critically discuss ethical issues particular to different methods.

METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING: 
In congruence with teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
- The course is divided into two parts, lectures (3 hours per week) and practical lab sessions 3 hours per week).Core 
(PS 3018) - 2 - content is covered in lectures and skills associated with the core content are developed in lab classes with practical demonstrations and critical discussions of exercises and assignments.
- Students will prepare drafts of their research proposal for peer review and feedback. They will conduct a survey, observation or mixed method research study based on their proposal. Students will collect and analyse data using appropriate methods, and submit a written report of their small-scale research with APA format including expanded literature review, method, results discussion and references. A journal will be kept documenting the stages and allowing students reflection on the process.
- Weakly, thorough individual and/or group feedback to Laboratory assignments.
- Office hours
- Use of Blackboard site