Experimental Psychology

obligatory courses

This course is designed to introduce students to the philosophy, principles, and methods of scientific research in experimental psychology. Students will learn how to plan, conduct and analyze their own experimental research, and how to communicate the results of their research to others. Students will develop the knowledge and skills to apply and critique the scientific method in future courses (e.g. empirical/theoretical paper, master thesis).

This course is designed to introduce students to the philosophy, principles, and methods of scientific research in experimental psychology. Students will learn how to plan, conduct and analyze their own experimental research, and how to communicate the results of their research to others. Students will develop the knowledge and skills to apply and critique the scientific method in future courses (e.g. empirical/theoretical paper, master thesis).

Course objectives:

 To help students become (more) comfortable with experimental research. Although our goal is not (necessarily) to master computational aspects of statistics, students will be expected to master some statistical concepts.

 To develop an understanding of the language, methods, and standards of scientific research.

 To enable students to generate research questions of interest, and teach them how they can use the tools of research and statistical methods to address their questions. This includes learning how to phrase research questions, formulating hypotheses, conducting computerized/internet literature searches, following ethical principles, selecting an appropriate design and sampling strategy, forming appropriate conclusions, and writing a paper that effectively describes the research. If one cannot effectively communicate one’s research findings, those findings will remain generally unknown.

 To develop an appreciation of the need for a commitment to research as part of the life of scientist or/and professional psychologists.

 To help students develop a general spirit of inquiry and an ability to think critically.

Upon successful completion of the course, a student will be able to:

 Correctly cite, quote and reference according to APA-style

 Clearly communicate:

o Rationale/underlying logic of a research idea and hypotheses

o Empirical results of a study

o Meaning of research findings in terms of theory and the study design

 Develop a research idea into testable/ operationalized predictions (hypotheses)

 Test hypotheses selecting the appropriate research design and measures

 Work with research participants in accordance with applicable ethical standards