Welcome!
Introduction to Psychological Experimentation
This might be the first "research methods" class you've taken, but I have a feeling that you're familiar with the basic ideas. We all conduct informal research on a regular basis. This class helps us define and refine our approach to carry out more formal studies. The steps in the process -- based on the scientific method -- may also be familiar from other classes (maybe even before college),
At the end of this class, I hope you will be comfortable using your knowledge of empirical research methods, statistics, and APA style to deepen your understanding of a topic or issue as well as demonstrate that understanding verbally and in writing using APA style and typical communication standards.
The Research Process
(and the outline for class)
Start with a topic
A problem, an observation, a curiosity -- there are many sources of topics to research.
See what we know
Review existing sources of information.
Narrow your focus
Use existing information to state the purpose of your research in terms of a question or hypothesis.
Design and conduct a study
In some disciplines this step is also known as "do an experiment," but in Psychology we have several options for research designs and methods. This is also the step that many Psychologists think of when they talk about "doing research."
Draw Conclusions
Statistical analyses provides important information about our results. To draw conclusions, though, we also need to think about what those results mean given our purpose.
Report Results
In day-to-day life, this step is as simple as saying "guess what I found!" When we want to share our research with a wider audience we can think about other options for reporting -- in Psychology that includes APA style presentations and written reports.