Research Methodology & Design
PSY 915- 9 CREDIT HOURS
Professor: Dr. George Gonzalez, Ph.D.
SYLLABUS
COURSE OVERVIEW: PSY 915 is designed to examine the procedures and principals involved with experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, and other research. Problem formulation, literature review, measurement issues, sampling, research design, data analysis, and report writing using APA format will be addressed. This course will also see the choice of the student in doing a research thesis/dissertation from a quantitative or quantitative viewpoint. This course will provide an analysis in writing an APA Style format Thesis and the use of scientific research as part of its collective data. This encompasses the understanding and application of appropriate research designs, research statistics, and the use of the computer for data analyses, and report writing and presentation. This course is designed to Learner Centered Knowledge.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: (PLEASE READ THE APA FORMAT POWERPOINT PRESENTATION FOR THIS COURSE, BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT TO START YOUR RESEARCH WRITING PROJECT.)
Learning Objectives/Outcomes for the Course
1.Utilize various sources to gather data for your research writing project paper;
2.Organize ideas, write annotated bibliographies, and thesis statements; 3.Understand how to develop outlines for research papers;
4.Complete a rough draft of a research paper by correcting punctuation, mechanics, and spelling;
5.Compile a final form of the research thesis project of no more than 25 pages long with a works cited page.
6. Make sure before you begin your Research Thesis you select a title, do an explanation of what your Thesis will be about with the approval of your professor, Dr. George Gonzalez.
This course is designed to meet CACREP Core Standards (RESEARCH AND PROGRAM EVALUATION); covering:
Common Core: statistical concepts, including scales of measurement, measures of central tendency, indices of variability, shapes and types of distributions, and correlations;
This course will cover topics in research methods in the field of psychology. You will be able to:
1). Understand the “groundwork” of research and the “research cycle”, along with important concepts with direct application to psychological research such as hypothesis testing, operationalization, constructionism and realism.
2). Understand the difference between quantitative and qualitative research and learn the usefulness and limitation of each in various contexts.
3). Understand the concepts of validity and reliability and learn to apply them to practical examples.
4). Understand how to critically review literature and recognize the features of solid vs. flawed research.
5). Learn about self-report measures and the usefulness/limitations of these tools.
6). Understand structured and semi-structured interviewing in research.
7). Understand how to review and construct basic research designs such as correlational, randomized, non-randomized, AB, ABAB, multiple baseline, etc.
8). Understand important research concepts like sampling, sample size, effect size, and alpha & beta errors.
9). Understand the basics of evaluation, quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
10). Learn how do design, conduct and review various types of research and discern the appropriate approach in a range of contexts.
11). Learn to apply research methods to addiction related issues or topics.
Research Project: For many postgraduate students, the RESEARCH PROJECT is the quintessential part of their course and the basis of their dissertation/thesis. The project is not only integral in passing the course but also serves as the final test of students’ capability to work independently and think critically. (Under and with the Professors Guidance).