Research methods in psychology I
BT BW BB BS DT AW GA PA BC BP BDT BY BBS
Barry Richardson and Dianne Wuillemin
Subject value of 1.0 (6 points) * Two hours of lectures and two hours of laboratory per week * First semester * Gippsland/Distance * Prerequisites: GAS1501, GAS1502 or equivalents
Principles of psychological research design and data analysis are introduced. Methodological issues include ways of collecting and displaying data, experimental design strategies, control problems, and ethical considerations. The purpose of dealing with these topics is to alert students to the dangers of bias and inaccuracy and to show how these can be reduced. Another goal is to expose students to the cost-benefit dimension of research. Statistical procedures include chi squared, t-tests, correlation and regression, and an introduction to ANOVA. Non-parametric statistics will also be covered. The range of tests reflect those most frequently encountered in research publications. The aim is to give students the tools to evaluate some published research and to conduct their own. Distance education students are required to attend one full day and one half-day at weekend schools. Students for whom attending more than once is difficult may request alternative work to the half-day program.
Assessment
Assignments: 40% * Examination: 60% * A pass on the examination is required for successful completion of this subject