RESEARCH METHODOLOGY – II

PSY-361 Credit Hours: 3

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To raise awareness in students about different research methods used in scientific
research studies and its practical approach.
Correlational Research:
 The nature and logic of correlations
 Correlation versus causality
 Measures in correlational research
 Interviews and questionnaires
 Margin of error
 Reliability and validity
 Predictions and decisions
Surveys:
 Nature
 Goals
 Basic steps
 Survey methods:
o Mail surveys
o Personal interviews
o Telephone surveys
Survey Research Designs:
 Cross-sectional design
 Longitudinal design
 Successive independent samples design
Experimental Research Methods:
 Experimental method:
o Control and variability
o Logic
 o Characteristics
 Independent measure designs/Between group design
 Random group design
 Alternative independent groups design
 Methodological issues:
o Individual differences
o Assigning conditions (TILL MID TERM)
 Repeated Measures designs/Within group design
 Advantages and methodological issues:
o Differential carry-over effect,
o General practice effect
 Complex designs
 Small N designs
 After – only, Before – after no control group
 Factorial designs
Quasi- Experimental Designs:
 Retrospective \ Ex Post Facto Designs
 Prospective Quasi – Experimental Designs
 Time Series Designs
 Event – Specific Alignment Designs
 Twin Studies and Adoption Studies
Applied Research:
 Single Case research designs

Writing a Research Report:

 The goal of a Research Report
 General APA guidelines for Writing Style and Format
 Elements of an APA-Style Research Report
 Writing a Research Proposal
SUGGESTED READINGS:
 Ellis, L. (1994). Research methods in the social sciences. Madison: Brown & Benchmark
Publishers.
 Goodwin, C. J. (2002). Research in psychology: Methods and design (3rd ed.). New York:
John Wiley & Sons.
 Kerlinger , F. N. (1986). Foundations of behavioral research. New York: Holt Rinehart &
Winston, Inc.
 Shaughnessy, J. J., Zechmeister, E. B., & Zechmeister, J. S. (2005). Research methods in
Psychology (5th ed.). Singapore: McGraw-Hill.