Methods Courses

Psychologists use a wide array of approaches to understand psychological phenomena. As a psychology major or minor, you will be taking some courses in statistics and psychological research methods. Here are some courses we currently offer in the department; not all courses are offered each year so check the University Calendar. Some courses introduce general methodological approaches to studying psychology and others relate to specific areas of psychological research. You also might want to check out some courses in statistics from the Department of Mathematical Sciences. You are required to take STAT 151.

PSYCO 212 - Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology

The course is designed to accomplish four main objectives:

(a) To teach students how to evaluate psychological literature.

(b) To introduce students to social scientific methodology in psychology.

(c) To prepare students for more advanced methods courses, guided research and thesis research; and,

(d) To teach students to evaluate real world claims like those presented in the media (e.g., Does breast feeding increase IQ? Does an increase in water temperature cause shark attacks?).

Topics include issues related to philosophy of science (e.g., rationalism, empiricism, logical positivism, falsification, deduction, induction, functionalism, causal interference), test construction and measurement (e.g., scale types, true scores and error, domain sampling, test-retest reliability, split half reliability, interjudge, reliability), construct validity (e.g., internal consistency, factor analysis, convergent and discriminant validity) and threats to construct validity (e.g., mono-method bias, mono-operationalization bias), content validity, internal validity, external validity, and threats to these types of validity (e.g., history, selection, maturation, interactions with maturation, resentful demoralization, nonrepresentative sampling), the relationship between reliability and validity, descriptive and inferential statistics, hypothesis testing, type I and type II errors, control, biases in experimentation (e.g., experimenter bias, demand characteristics, Hawthorne effects, evaluation apprehension), simple between group designs, multileveled between group designs and post hoc tests, between group factorial designs, within subject designs, mixed designs, quasi experimental designs, single subject designs, and ethics. Discussions of issues related to methods will draw primarily from psychological and social scientific examples (e.g., program evaluation, social psychology, developmental psychology, clinical psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, political science, economics). Prerequisites: PSYCO 104 and PSYCO 105, and STAT 151 (or former PSYCO 211).

PSYCO 325 - Applied Research in Developmental Psychology

Students explore relations between applied research in developmental psychology and practical problems in human development. Special attention is devoted to methodological and practical problems in applied research. To gain insights about development, students work with infants, children, or adolescents as volunteers for at least two hours per week in local agencies and schools. Students are encouraged to integrate what they learn in class about research with what they learn as volunteers about practical problems. Prerequisites: PSYCO 104 & 105, 223 and STAT 151 (or former PSYCO 211).

PSYCO 364 - Methods in Perception

This course is for students with a particular interest in the experimental study of perception. The course is primarily laboratory work supplemented with occasional lectures. The student will become familiar with the various psychophysical methods as applied to a variety of phenomena, and with manuscript preparation according to APA standards. Prerequisites: PSYCO 267.

PSYCO 390 - Honors Thesis I: Apprenticeship

Under the direction of a faculty member, students pursue a topic of interest leading to the development of a thesis proposal and, during their fourth year, the thesis research. The work normally involves both directed readings and empirical research experience. Restricted to, and required of, third-year students in Honors Psychology. Corequisites: STAT 151 and PSYCO 212.

PSYCO 400 - Honors Seminar II

A continuation of PSYCO 300, with an emphasis on the development of professional skills. Topics include the new information technologies, the publication process, ethical issues, and the application of research findings to real-world problems. The seminar meets once a week for the full Winter Session. Restricted to, and required of, fourth-year students in the Honors Psychology program. Prerequisites: PSYCO 300.
 

PSYCO 402 - Recent Advances in Experimental Psychology: Methods & Phenomena

Topic: Complex Experiments in Psychological Research

The course will explore a variety of methods for making sense of data from complex experiments where there are more than two levels of independent variables. The student will become proficient at using computer programs in the departmental computer lab for analysing data sets from psychological research using methods ranging from analysis of variance to factor analysis. Prerequisites: PSYCO 104 and 105, STAT 151 (or former PSYCO 211) and a 300-level Psychology course.

PSYCO 402 - Recent Advances in Experimental Psychology: Methods & Phenomena

Topic: Applied Research Topics in the Visually Impaired & Blind

This course will provide student with a direct opportunity to work with a social service agency, most likely the CNIB, on a variety of current applied research objectives. Students will work in teams of 3 to 5 on a special research project of interest to them as well as of current relevance to the delivery of services to the blind and visually impaired. Weekly classes will provide theoretical and research background while the formal research component of the course will familiarize students with rein applied contexts and provide them with first hand experience in researching with service delivery professionals. No exams will be given, but each student will be required to complete a rather major research project, prepare a lengthy research report (including data analyses), and formally present their findings to an audience of professionals, clients, administrators, and members for the board. Prerequisites: PSYCO 104 and 105, STAT 151 (or former PSYCO 211) and a 300-level Psychology course, and consent of the department.

PSYCO 410 /411 ö Co-op/Internship Practicum Seminar

The course will provide students who have completed their internship WKEXP courses with an opportunity: (a) to expand upon their work experience projects; (b) to present their projects publicly; (c) to examine the significance of their work experience; (d) and to enhance their personal, scholarly, and professional knowledge and skills. Prerequisites: Psychology WKEXP courses.

PSYCO 482 - Methods of Behavior and Learning

This course is designed for students with particular interests in the experimental analysis of phenomena of learning. It will examine the laboratory techniques used to study Pavlovian conditioning, instrumental learning, and other behavioral phenomena involving processes of learning. Prerequisite: PSYCO 381.

PSYCO 490 - Honors Thesis II

Under the direction of a faculty member, students conduct an empirical research project culminating in the Honors Thesis. Restricted to, and required of fourth-year students in the honors psychology program. Prerequisite: PSYCO 390.

PSYCO 493 Phenomenology and Psychological Research

An intensive study of methods for investigating variations in self-reported experience. The development, use, and validation of methods for studying self-reported experience in psychological research will be stressed. Prerequisites: STAT 151 (or former PSYCO 211), and either 436 or 495.

PSYCO 496 / PSYCO 498 - Individual Research

A course designed to allow the senior undergraduate student the opportunity to pursue a research topic in greater depth than the classroom structure permits. This pursuit may take the form of directed reading, library research, and/or laboratory experience. A formal paper, research proposal, research report, annotated bibliography, lab notes, and/or essay is required. Prerequisites: A 300-level psychology course and consent of the Department.