Psychology 219: Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology

Spring 2018: Course Syllabus

Section # 46051
Course Location and Meeting Times:
Santiago Canyon College
Room H-322
M/W @ 2:15PM-5:05 PM

Instructor: Zelida S. Keo-Trang, M.A.

Email: keotrang_zelida@sccollege.edu

Office hours and location: TBD

Catalog Entry:
Emphasizes methods of study in psychology including: sound and ethical experimental design,
analysis of variables contributing to experimental results, data treatment, and communicating
findings.

Prerequisite:
Psychology 100/100H and/or concurrent enrollment in: Social Science 219/219H or Mathematics
219/219H

Course Materials:
1. Cozby, P., & Bates, S. (2011). Methods in Behavioral Research, 11th Ed. McGraw
Hill. (Required)
2. American Psychological Association (2009). Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association, 6th Ed. American Psychological Association.
(Required)
3. Reading assignments of current psychological research (usually supplied by the
instructor or available for free online through the school library)

Course Purpose:
1. This is the most important class for those students transferring to the university as entering
juniors.  Psychology 219 is a prerequisite for most of required upper division and graduate level
courses.

2. This course acquaints the student with the methods of psychological research, as well as with
the problems involved in the interpretation of the experimental findings.

3. Psychology 219 also requires that the student master the American Psychological Association
(APA) experimental report format as it appears in the APA publication manual.

4. Students conduct a series of increasingly complex sample experiments and one "original"
experiment.

5. Students participate in a poster/paper conference at the end of the semester in which they
present their original research projects to students and faculty. The conference provides
students first-hand experience with the professional field of psychology.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1.Identify the main issues, research methods, and ethical considerations in psychology.
2.Conduct simple, controlled, empirical investigations, using sound experimental design.
3.Use simple statistical tests to investigate hypotheses arising from empirical studies.
4.Write concise scientific reports in American Psychological Association (APA) format.

Methods of Evaluation:
These evaluation methods are typical of this course:
 Exams/Tests
 Research Papers/Projects
 Lab Activities/Exercises

Outside of Class Assignments:

 Experiments are conducted both in lab and/or in the field
 Experimental write-ups/research papers
 Readings on the subject of experimental psychology
 Weekly homework assignments

Outside Class Hours: 112 Hours

Grading Criteria (A straight percentage scale will be used):

A = 90-100% B = 80-89.9% C = 70-79.9% D = 60-69.9% F = 0-59.9%

Lecture Component:
1. Exams: 5 exams includes final exam
Lab Component:
2. In-class and homework assignments: 100-150 points
3. Semester research project: 150 Points
a) Research Paper, Project Materials, and Data Output (125 pts.)
c) Research PowerPoint Presentation (25 points; approximately 7-10 minutes)

Exams:
*Note: A scantron (Form 882 E) is required for each exam. There will be a total of 4 in class
exams in this course, including a final exam. The exams range from 50-100 points. Each exam
will cover the chapters and course lecture material described on the Course Schedule. Exams will
include multiple-choice questions BUT may include short answer questions. Exam questions will
be based on material covered in lecture, in-class activities, and the textbook. NOTE: Exam dates
will not change though topics covered may change.

Research Project/Paper:
The completion of an independent research project and paper--written using American
Psychological Association (APA) publication style is required in this class (and to earn a passing
grade). A detailed description of this assignment (including directions and expectations) will be
handed out in class and posted on Blackboard. You will not receive a passing grade in the course
if you do not complete this assignment. A PowerPoint Presentation of your project is also
required.

Daily Lab Activities and Homework:

Approximately 100-150 points toward your grade may be earned through completion of in-class
exercises and homework assignments (which will be assigned throughout the semester).
Homework is due at the beginning of class; due dates will be announced in class and on
Blackboard. Assignments may NOT be faxed or e-mailed, any assignments turned in via email
and fax will not be graded. Assignments must be stapled or paper clipped, or will not be
accepted. LATE HOMEWORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!!! ***Note: exercises vary in difficulty and
point values.

Other Important Information

Missed Assignment/Exam Policy: Students are expected to complete all assignments on time
and to be present for all exams. Late assignments will NOT be accepted. The ONLY valid excuses
for missing an exam or failing to turn an assignment are illness or a death in the family. It is the
student’s responsibility to contact the instructor within one class meeting of missing an exam or
assignment and provide written proof of their excuse (e.g., doctor’s note). All excuses are subject
to verification by instructor and a written make-up exam may be administered for missed exams.
Any late assignments that might be accepted will be given partial credit. *Note: It is BEST to
inform the instructor ASAP when you are going to miss class, for whatever reason.

Student Responsibilities: Students are responsible for attending all classes and for being on
time. Class attendance will be taken at the end of each class. There will be a short break
throughout the class period; students are expected to return from break by the time given by the
instructor.

Absence/Drop Policy: The Absence/Drop policy (SCC College Catalog, p. 21) reads as follows:
“It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw officially from a course.  However,
because of enrollment demand a student may be dropped by the instructor when not appearing
at the first class meeting.  A student may also be dropped for excessive absences when
the total hours of absence exceed 10% of the total scheduled hours of the class. 

The Learning Environment: The classroom is meant to be a positive environment that

promotes student learning. Students are expected to conduct themselves with respect for the
right of all members of the college community to teach and learn in a safe and academically
stimulating environment. Discourteous/disruptive behavior of any type will not be tolerated and
may result in the student being asked to leave for the remainder of the class period (along with
any work completed or assigned that day).

Academic Dishonesty Policy: Academic dishonesty in the form of cheating on an exam or

plagiarizing the written work of others is considered a very serious offense & will not be tolerated
in this course. If a student is suspected of or caught cheating on any test or assignment, he/she
will receive a grade of zero on that test or assignment and an Academic Dishonesty Report will
be filed with the Dean’s office to be retained on record. It is very important to avoid putting
yourself in the position of even being suspected of cheating (e.g., looking at another student’s
exam or copying homework) or plagiarism (i.e., using another’s words as your own written
words), as very serious consequences may result and remain on your student record.

Accommodations for Disabilities:

Students with verifiable disabilities who want to request academic accommodations are
responsible for notifying their instructor and Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) as
early as possible in the semester.  To arrange for accommodations, contact DSPS at (714) 628-
4860; (714) 639-9742 (TTY- for hearing impaired students) or in person at the DSPS Center, E-
105.

Mission Statement: Santiago Canyon College is an innovative learning community dedicated

to intellectual and personal growth. Our purpose is to foster student success and to help
students achieve these core outcomes: to learn, to act, to communicate and to think critically.
We are committed to maintaining standards of excellence and providing accessible, transferable,
and engaging education to a diverse community.

PSYC 219 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

2/05-SYLLABUS 2/7-CHAPTER 1 (BOTH TEXTBOOKS)

2/12- CHAPTER 2 (BOTH TEXTBOOKS) 2/14- CH. 3; CH. 6 (APA)

2/19-NO SCHOOL 2/21-CH. 3

2/26-CH. 4; CH. 7 (APA) 2/28-CH. 4 (CH. 8 APA)

3/05-REVIEW FOR EXAM 1; 3/07-EXAM 1

IN CLASS WORK ON PROJECT

3/12-CH. 5; CH. 3 (APA) 3/14-CH. 6

3/19-CH. 7; CH. 6 (APA) 3/21-CH. 8

3/26- REVIEW FOR EXAM 2 3/28-EXAM 2

In class work on project

4/2-4/4: SPRING BREAK, NO SCHOOL

4/9-CH. 9 4/11- CH. 12, 13, STATISTICS APPENDIX

4/16-CH. 12, 13, STATISTICS APPENDIX 4/18-12, 13, STATISTICS APPENDIX

4/23-CH.10 4/25-Exam 3 (in class work on project)

4/30-CH. 11 5/2- Ch. 12

5/7- Ch. 14 5/9- in class work on project

5/14-PPT PRESENTATIONS 5/16-PPT PRESENTATIONS

5/21- PPT PRESENTATIONS 5/23- in class work on project

5/28-NO SCHOOL 5/30-FINAL EXAM, RESEARCH PROJECT DUE