PSYC 200-01, Research Methods and Statistics, Fall 1998

Abstract

The goal of this class is to help you obtain the tools necessary to conduct and evaluate quantitative social science, especially psychological, research. We will start at the very beginning by discussing what is science, what makes social science different from the "natural sciences we are more familiar with, the problems inherent in applying the scientific method to the subject matter of the social sciences, the need for statistics and probability, etc. We will then move into a more focused discussion of the specific issues and problems that arise when conducting psychological research. We will use "canned" experiments (experiments already designed and in this case, computerized) by which to get first hand experience with these problems and procedures. We will also discuss how one goes about selecting a research question and methodology.