Research methods in psychology I
BBS BY BT BW BB BS DT AW GA PA BC BP BDT
Dr Barry Richardson and Dr Dianne Wuillemin
Subject value of 1.0 (6 point) * First semester * One 2-hour lecture and one 2-hour laboratory per week * Gippsland/Distance * Prerequisites: GAS1501 and GAS1502
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 square, t-tests, correlation and regression, and an introduction to ANOVA. Nonparametric tests 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 program 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
Prescribed texts
Tilley A An introduction to psychological research and statistics Pineapple Press, 1990
Recommended texts
Martin D W Doing psychology experiments Brooks Cole, 1991