This 4-unit class is being presented in a new mode. The lecture material in being put on line, and the class divided in order to provide active in-class, hands-on learning. The in-class component will be in one of the two sections listed below (you need to enroll in one or the other). The online component will involve a considerable amount of time outside of class (to make up the other two units).
Section 001 MW 2:10-3:50, 107 Cruess CRN# 60231
Section 002 TR 2:10-3:50, 107 Cruess CRN# 61843
COURSE WEBSITE : http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/sommerb/ User
Name: methods Password: psc41 ** (be sure
to include the asterisks)
Update
your computer system. UC Davis has a free Internet
Tools CD available from IT Express in 182 Shields Library.
INSTRUCTOR: Barbara Sommer, e-mail: basommer@ucdavis.edu, Office hours: MTu 4-4:30, WTh 1:30-2 and by apppointment, 125 Hunt Hall
| OBJECTIVES: | |
| Learn the scientific method as applied to behavioral questions. | |
| Become aware of the ethical aspects of behavioral research. | |
| Learn to use library's electronic databases for reviewing the literature. | |
| Become familiar with the range of research techniques, understand the value and limitations of each, and gain hands-on experience in using them. | |
| Gain familiarity with the statistical terminology and concepts used in the behavioral sciences. | |
TEXTBOOK: Sommer, R. & Sommer, B. (2002). A Practical Guide to Behavioral Research (5th edition) Oxford University Press. $49.95 (2-hr. reserve H62, S724734)
| TOPICS: | ||||
| Methods Case study Content analysis Experiments Interviews Observation Questionnaires |
Information/data sources Archives Behavior mapping Cognitive maps Literature search Personal documents Public documents Trace measures |
Tools/techniques Sampling Scaling Simulation Standardized tests Statistics Writing reports |
Toward a better world Action research Big fuzzies Ethics |
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| REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING: Grading weight - about 1/4 each (subject to change) | |
| Midterm | |
| Final Exam | |
| Research paper written in APA style (write-up of class project) | |
| In-class work, various assignments, critiques, etc. - see schedule and assignments for details | |
| All points will be totaled at the end of the session and grades assigned on the following basis: 90%=A-, 80%=B-; 70%=C; 60%=D; below 60%=F. Points are acquired through exams and assignments; they are lost by failing to turn in assignments on time (see approximate point list). | |
ASSIGNMENTS: Due at the beginning of class on the date specified. Late work will NOT be accepted. If you anticipate an absence or delay, have someone else turn in your paper beforehand to the TA or instructor.
NOTE: Make-up examinations will be given only upon presentation of evidence of a medical or similarly serious emergency. It is NOT my policy to assign additional extra credit projects if you do poorly on exams. If you have problems with the first examination, see me or the TA immediately in order to take remedial steps before the next test
RESEARCH PARTICIPATION: The Psychology Department requires all students in PSC 1 and 41 to participate in 5 hours of experiments or fulfill an alternative assignment. Details are available at Experimetrix https://experimetrix2.com/ucdavis/