Instructor: Laura Vangsness
Email: lvangsne@rci.rutgers.edu
Office: Busch Psychology 319
Office hours: By appointment

Texts: Cozby, P.C. (2004). Methods in behavioral research (8th Ed.). Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing. (Required)

American Psychological Association (2001). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5th Ed.). Washington, DC: Author. (Recommended)

Introduction: By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• Critically evaluate and discuss research
• Identify good, solid research
• Transform an interesting idea or observation you have into a research project.
• Understand the many different designs used in research

Requirements & Grading:

A. 2 Exams (25% each) A mid-term (100 points) and final exam (non-cumulative) (100 points) will be given to ensure that you read and understand the material. The exams will mainly cover material from the Cozby text but will also include other items from lectures, videos, and class discussion. If you cannot be present for both of the exams, you should withdraw from this course immediately. There will be no make-ups for missed exams.

Exams will be a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions.

B. 4 One-Page Commentaries (20%) During four of the seven weeks, you will read and comment on a journal article of your choice. For all of your commentaries, be sure to include the article’s abstract along with your essay. Comment on whatever strikes you most about the article – topic of study, design, method, ethical issues, etc. This may be difficult in the beginning but each week you will receive feedback from me which should help guide you. Limit your essays to one, double-spaced page (excluding the article’s abstract).

C. Final Paper & Brief Presentation (25%) You will design your own research study. As part of this assignment, you will need to do a literature search utilizing PsycInfo, read and include at least 5 relevant studies/review articles, design your research method, and explain your hypotheses. You do NOT have to collect data for this paper. You must use APA style, which is briefly outlined in Appendix A of the Cozby text. Your paper should be 7-10 pages, including references and coversheet. More detail about the structure of the paper will be given in class. During our second to last class meeting (7/6), you will spend 5 minutes sharing with your classmates a) your topic, and b) how you designed your study. This is NOT a formal presentation; I simply want you to learn about different topics of interest and potential ways to study them.

Discussion: Tuesday, July 6th (second to last class).
Paper due: Tuesday, July 6th (second to last class).
10 points (out of a possible 100) are deducted for each day a paper is late. No papers will be accepted after July 8th.

D. (5%) This portion of your grade represents your enthusiasm, effort, and participation. Come to class ready to participate. It will enhance the experience for both you and your classmates.

**As mentioned above, I do not offer make-up exams, nor do I accept late papers without a deduction. That being said, I am a fair grader. I will evaluate you based on the quality of work you turn in. I want you to learn from this class (and to have fun doing it!), but I strongly believe that you need to put in effort and enthusiasm.**

“Academic integrity requires that all academic work be wholly the product of an identified individual or individuals… Ethical conduct is the obligation of every member of the university community and breaches of academic integrity constitute serious offenses.” (p. 1, Policy on Academic Integrity)

Course Etiquette: A major portion of this course will be class discussions. Please be respectful of your classmates. Our classroom is a safe place for open and honest discussions. Treat one another fairly and as you would want to be treated.

Office Hours: I do not have scheduled office hours, but this does not mean that I do not want to meet with you outside of class. Drop me an email at least two days in advance so that we can plan a time. We also can meet before or after class.